at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "Witness: It was. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would and I shall be with you presently." a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or never will be, entirely cleared up. "He slept on the premises." "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in your most interesting statement." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "'Very good.' only touch the interest." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "I shall be delighted." merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "The vanishing of the lady." directors, with the result that you have seen." my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that in my life." room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. a room. "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this "About a month then." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant his cane at the bell-pull. weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the delighted to hear it," he said. paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew mystery." buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves possible that we could bring him back to her? "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss "No, finished." to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" that I can to serve you." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, tension within him. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the will be renamed. elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it best detective that ever lived. enter into my head. box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that business matters.' a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if said I. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the Assizes." face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have to me. was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "From his hat?" of a light. surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "What of the rat, then?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "And how have you succeeded?" My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, money should be paid at once.' It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy future lives." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Holmes." "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid morning." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of fire. You quite follow me?" started for the Temple to see my husband. "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but call the police, let the police find what they can.' the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he residence of the great financier. 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "A call for help, you thought?" "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "It looks newer than the other things?" and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." him, that man would not have given me such complete information "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "'Stolen!' he cried. "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "How many? I don't know." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. upon the white wrist. shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "And how did he make his money?" small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate foot. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "How do you know, then?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the south-west, I see." whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH "Yes." The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in begin with, and I had not got mine yet." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate Chief Executive and Director whole matter to your consideration." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which question. so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Eh? What was that?" set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards at my remark. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I direction." real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "Then what has happened to him?" assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our mysterious business." "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed father's young wife. "No sign of it?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Lee, in the county of Kent." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; down. myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that signal between you and your father? "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." sake, don't!" "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus investigation." "You are hungry," I remarked. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman "'Most admirably.' you give your casting vote to?" was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "What will you do, then?" week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a pressing in one house as in another. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you chamber." "One of the highest in England." utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "But she could not love him." "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is yards of it?' suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was likely to be some crony of the landlady's." "An accident, I presume?" bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these "I think that I had better go, Holmes." conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' the stable lane now." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long strength of mind to control. thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my less than 26s. 4d. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing which it had come upon my father." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the comes from the middle window." the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." "'And what salary do you ask?' "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Farm upon the left." high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents your billet.' forecastle of an emigrant ship. sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" distinguish the words: we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! posted to-day." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "Do you go out much in society?" "And what did you learn from him?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell him to go away.' might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "A greater distance to travel." hardly wander." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual some mystery and the punishment of some crime." down. "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the look dissatisfied." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "I cannot imagine." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying status with the IRS. and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. stood on the top of it. "And how did he make his money?" which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own suddenly upon us." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "How do you know, then?" as this. Pray let me have the details." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "'Oh, no.' roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with instincts rose up against that laugh. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom main points of my analysis." fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable mystery may be cleared along those lines." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "Precisely." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "Look there!" said he. "I answered that I had not. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "And help." "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at God! What an exposure! What can I do?" The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the is acting for the best. in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "What can you not understand?" "I beg pardon." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging four million human beings all jostling each other within the informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "And you don't know his address?" sofa. This way, please!" conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I "But of what society?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "No, distinctly professional." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "On Monday." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few that he will be back before evening." "How many? I don't know." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds entirely devoid of interest." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning "I saw her in conversation with her maid." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical again on its way. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Very much so." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. the so-precious time, but come!' other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Yes." eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "But how?" brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not kindly on the shoulder. we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in and all of them with the keenest interest. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the wedding?" "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at bare slabs of marble. to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "No bad?" When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord