Toooooo goooood -
Who is the BEST - Infosys, Wipro or TCS?
One day, three consultants, one from Wipro, one from Infosys and one from TCS, went out for a walk.
"Why don't we prove who is the best among ourselves?"
Why not, said the other two.
The Infosian said "Let's have a test. Whoever makes this monkey laugh, works for the best firm".
Being a pure logical strategist, the person from TCS tried to make the monkey Laugh by telling jokes. The monkey stayed still.
As a more practical consultant, the Wipro guy tried to make funny gestures... No good, the monkey stayed put...
Now, comes the Infosian. Being the practical guy he was always trained to be, he whispered something into the monkey's ear, and it burst out laughing at him..
The other two were astonished. So the Wipro guy said "OK, let's take another test. Let's make this monkey cry!!"
So there they went again, applying the same methods as before. The TCS guy narrated sad stories, the Wipro guy made sad gestures, and they failed again...
Then, the Infosian again whispered something into the monkey's ear and oh! It started crying, patting the Infosian's shoulder!
The other two just could not believe their eyes! So the tcs guy said "OK, you've won twice. If you can win just this one, we will bow to you. Let's make this monkey run".
And he barked at the monkey and ordered him to run. Of course, it stayed where it was.. The Wipro guy, true to his type, pushed and prodded the monkey- still No go.
So...here comes Infosian, again, and whispers into the monkey's ear. The Monkey just takes off! It runs and runs as fast as it can, as if it was scared to death!
The other two surrendered.
They said: "OK, we give up.
You're the best among us, and you work for the Best firm of the three. But please, please tell us your secret," they begged him.
"Well", said the Infosian, "The first time I made it laugh, I told I work for Infosys. The next time, I told the monkey how much I get paid ...so it started crying.
And then I told that I was here for recruitment!!!
Wednesday, August 29, 2007
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
Automatically number rows in Excel
Fill a column with a series of numbers
Note: These numbers are not automatically updated when you add, move, or remove rows. You can manually update the sequential numbering by selecting two numbers that are in the right sequence, and then dragging the fill handle to the end of the numbered range.
1. Select the first cell in the range that you want to fill.
2. Type the starting value for the series.
3. Type a value in the next cell to establish a pattern. For example, if you want the series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5..., type 1 and 2 in the first two cells. If you want the series 2, 4, 6, 8..., type 2 and 4.
4. Select the cells that contain the starting values.
5. Drag the fill handle (fill handle: The small black square in the lower-right corner of the selection. When you point to the fill handle, the pointer changes to a black cross.) Across the range that you want to fill.
To fill in increasing order, drag down or to the right. To fill in decreasing order, drag up or to the left.
Is the fill handle missing?
To display the fill handle on a selection of cells, click Options on the Tools menu, click the Edit tab, and then select the Allow cell drag and drop check box.
Use the ROW function to number rows
Note: These numbers are updated when you sort them with your data. However, the sequence may be interrupted if you add, move, or remove rows. You can manually update the numbering by selecting two numbers that are in the right sequence, and then dragging the fill handle to the end of the numbered range.
1. In the first cell of the range that you want to number, type =ROW(A1).
The ROW function returns the number of the row that you reference. For example, =ROW(A1) returns the number 1.
2. Drag the fill handle (fill handle: The small black square in the lower-right corner of the selection. When you point to the fill handle, the pointer changes to a black cross.) n i d o k i d o s Across the range that you want to fill.
Tips
* If you are using the ROW function, and you want the numbers to be inserted automatically as you add new rows of data, turn that range of data into an Excel list (list: A series of rows that contains related data or a series of rows that you designate to function as a datasheet by using the Create List command.) . Select the range, point to List on the Data menu, and then click Create List. All rows that are added at the end of the list will now be numbered in sequence.
* To enter specific sequential number codes, such as purchase order numbers, you can use the ROW function with the TEXT function. For example, to start a numbered list with 000-001, you would enter the formula =TEXT(ROW(A1) ,"000-000") in the first cell of the range that you want to number, and then drag the fill handle to the end of the range.
Note: These numbers are not automatically updated when you add, move, or remove rows. You can manually update the sequential numbering by selecting two numbers that are in the right sequence, and then dragging the fill handle to the end of the numbered range.
1. Select the first cell in the range that you want to fill.
2. Type the starting value for the series.
3. Type a value in the next cell to establish a pattern. For example, if you want the series 1, 2, 3, 4, 5..., type 1 and 2 in the first two cells. If you want the series 2, 4, 6, 8..., type 2 and 4.
4. Select the cells that contain the starting values.
5. Drag the fill handle (fill handle: The small black square in the lower-right corner of the selection. When you point to the fill handle, the pointer changes to a black cross.) Across the range that you want to fill.
To fill in increasing order, drag down or to the right. To fill in decreasing order, drag up or to the left.
Is the fill handle missing?
To display the fill handle on a selection of cells, click Options on the Tools menu, click the Edit tab, and then select the Allow cell drag and drop check box.
Use the ROW function to number rows
Note: These numbers are updated when you sort them with your data. However, the sequence may be interrupted if you add, move, or remove rows. You can manually update the numbering by selecting two numbers that are in the right sequence, and then dragging the fill handle to the end of the numbered range.
1. In the first cell of the range that you want to number, type =ROW(A1).
The ROW function returns the number of the row that you reference. For example, =ROW(A1) returns the number 1.
2. Drag the fill handle (fill handle: The small black square in the lower-right corner of the selection. When you point to the fill handle, the pointer changes to a black cross.) n i d o k i d o s Across the range that you want to fill.
Tips
* If you are using the ROW function, and you want the numbers to be inserted automatically as you add new rows of data, turn that range of data into an Excel list (list: A series of rows that contains related data or a series of rows that you designate to function as a datasheet by using the Create List command.) . Select the range, point to List on the Data menu, and then click Create List. All rows that are added at the end of the list will now be numbered in sequence.
* To enter specific sequential number codes, such as purchase order numbers, you can use the ROW function with the TEXT function. For example, to start a numbered list with 000-001, you would enter the formula =TEXT(ROW(A1) ,"000-000") in the first cell of the range that you want to number, and then drag the fill handle to the end of the range.
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Technical Problem & Solution from Tech. Experts Team
To
Dear Tech Support Team,
Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0.
I soon noticed that the new program took up a lot of space and valuable
resources.
In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now
monitors all other system activities.
Applications such as BachelorNights 10.3, Cricket 5.0,
BeerWithBuddies 7.5,
and Outings 3.6 no longer runs, crashing the system whenever selected. I
can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my
favorite applications.
I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 5.0, but the 'uninstall'
doesn't
work on Wife 1.0.
Please help!
Thanks,
" A Troubled User"
*
REPLY: *
Dear Troubled User:
This is a very common problem that people complain about.
Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0, thinking that it is
just a Utilities and Entertainment program.
Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run
EVERYTHING!! !
It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 5.0.
It is impossible to uninstall, or purge the program files from the system
once installed.
You cannot go back to Girlfriend 5.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed not to
allow this. (Look in your Wife 1.0 Manual under Warnings-Alimony- Child
Support).
I recommend that you keep Wife1.0 and work on improving the environment.
I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate
software augmentation.
The best course of action is to enter the command C:\APOLOGIZE because
ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before
the system will return to normal anyway.
Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to be very high maintenance.
Wife
1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean 2.5, Sweep 3.0,
Cook
1.5 and DoLaundry 4.2. However, be very careful how you use these
programs.
Improper use will cause the system to launch the program NagNag 9.5. Once
this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to
purchase additional software. I recommend Sarees 2.1 and Jewellery 5.0
*
WARNING:* DO NOT, under any circumstances, install SecretaryWithShortS kirt
3.3. This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause
irreversible damage to the operating system.
Best of luck,
Technical Support Team
Dear Tech Support Team,
Last year I upgraded from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0.
I soon noticed that the new program took up a lot of space and valuable
resources.
In addition, Wife 1.0 installed itself into all other programs and now
monitors all other system activities.
Applications such as BachelorNights 10.3, Cricket 5.0,
BeerWithBuddies 7.5,
and Outings 3.6 no longer runs, crashing the system whenever selected. I
can't seem to keep Wife 1.0 in the background while attempting to run my
favorite applications.
I'm thinking about going back to Girlfriend 5.0, but the 'uninstall'
doesn't
work on Wife 1.0.
Please help!
Thanks,
" A Troubled User"
*
REPLY: *
Dear Troubled User:
This is a very common problem that people complain about.
Many people upgrade from Girlfriend 5.0 to Wife 1.0, thinking that it is
just a Utilities and Entertainment program.
Wife 1.0 is an OPERATING SYSTEM and is designed by its Creator to run
EVERYTHING!! !
It is also impossible to delete Wife 1.0 and to return to Girlfriend 5.0.
It is impossible to uninstall, or purge the program files from the system
once installed.
You cannot go back to Girlfriend 5.0 because Wife 1.0 is designed not to
allow this. (Look in your Wife 1.0 Manual under Warnings-Alimony- Child
Support).
I recommend that you keep Wife1.0 and work on improving the environment.
I suggest installing the background application "Yes Dear" to alleviate
software augmentation.
The best course of action is to enter the command C:\APOLOGIZE because
ultimately you will have to give the APOLOGIZE command before
the system will return to normal anyway.
Wife 1.0 is a great program, but it tends to be very high maintenance.
Wife
1.0 comes with several support programs, such as Clean 2.5, Sweep 3.0,
Cook
1.5 and DoLaundry 4.2. However, be very careful how you use these
programs.
Improper use will cause the system to launch the program NagNag 9.5. Once
this happens, the only way to improve the performance of Wife 1.0 is to
purchase additional software. I recommend Sarees 2.1 and Jewellery 5.0
*
WARNING:* DO NOT, under any circumstances, install SecretaryWithShortS kirt
3.3. This application is not supported by Wife 1.0 and will cause
irreversible damage to the operating system.
Best of luck,
Technical Support Team
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Monday, June 04, 2007
Deadliest PJ I had ever heard
Once a man was driving his car through the thar desert.his car's
Registration number is "rjd 007".as he was driving,a cactus got stuck into
One of his tires.so the tire gets punctured and some how the letter"d" in
The rjd also falls off.so now he has two problems.
1. The fallen letter "d" .
2. Tire punctured.
What does he do?......... ......
............ ......... ......... .
............ ......... ....
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....
....
....
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....
....
....
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....
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He runs 5 or 6 rounds around the car.so he becomes "tired".he takes the "d'
From 'tired' and puts the "tire" in the car and "d" on the car number plate.
Please forward this mail
Coz why should only u suffer j !!!
Friday, May 11, 2007
The world's deadliest poisons ........
Black Widow Spider
The Black Widow is easily identifiable by the distinctive red markings on its stomach. It is a large widow spider found throughout the world and commonly associated with urban habitats or agricultural areas. The Black Widow's venom is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnakes.
Brazilian Wandering Spider
This spider kills around five people a year. Symptoms include immediate pain, heavy perspiration and drooling. Often hides in bunches of bananas.
Arsenic
Anyone swallowing large amounts of arsenic will usually die within a few hours following seizures and shock. If death does not occur at this earlier stage your kidneys will pack in and you will be dead within days.
Capsaicin
This is the chemical that makes chillis hot, but in its purest form it is strong enough to kill you if you eat it. Will cause burns and blistering in contact with human skin.
Inland Taipan Snake
This lethal Aussie crawler is 50 times more deadly than the Indian cobra. A salt-grain-sized amount of its venom can kill a human.
Death Cap Mushroom
One of the most toxic fungi, 30g is enough to kill a human. Symptoms include jaundice, lethargy, sweats and dizziness, Usually the only treatment is a liver transplant.
Deathstalker Scorpion
Found in the hot climates of North Africa and the Middle East, the Deathstalker can kill a human with a single stab of its barbed tail.
Dioxin
Reputed to be the most dangerous man-made poison, it is 60,000 times more toxic than cyanide. A dose of only 50 micrograms is lethal for a human - that's a 1,000th of a small pill.
Death Lily
Leaves can be confused with wild onions. Found in America and Siberia. It's fatal to humans and animals. Symptoms start with burning lips and grow to slow heart beat, low temperature, coma and finally death.
Golden Poison Frog
Found in Colombia, this tiny 1.5ins frog is the world's most poisonous creature. The lethal venom is on its skin and it kills anything that eats it. An average frog carries about one milligram of poison, which is enough to kill 10,000 mice or 10 to 20 humans.
Anthrax
Contamination often comes from exposure to infected animals. Symptoms include vomiting blood and respiratory collapse. It killed five people in the US in 2001 who were received it in the post.
Stonefish
Found on the sea bed off Australia, the stonefish's sharp dorsal spines contain enough poison to kill a human if trodden on. Death can occur within hours of being stung.
The Black Widow is easily identifiable by the distinctive red markings on its stomach. It is a large widow spider found throughout the world and commonly associated with urban habitats or agricultural areas. The Black Widow's venom is 15 times more potent than a rattlesnakes.
Brazilian Wandering Spider
This spider kills around five people a year. Symptoms include immediate pain, heavy perspiration and drooling. Often hides in bunches of bananas.
Arsenic
Anyone swallowing large amounts of arsenic will usually die within a few hours following seizures and shock. If death does not occur at this earlier stage your kidneys will pack in and you will be dead within days.
Capsaicin
This is the chemical that makes chillis hot, but in its purest form it is strong enough to kill you if you eat it. Will cause burns and blistering in contact with human skin.
Inland Taipan Snake
This lethal Aussie crawler is 50 times more deadly than the Indian cobra. A salt-grain-sized amount of its venom can kill a human.
Death Cap Mushroom
One of the most toxic fungi, 30g is enough to kill a human. Symptoms include jaundice, lethargy, sweats and dizziness, Usually the only treatment is a liver transplant.
Deathstalker Scorpion
Found in the hot climates of North Africa and the Middle East, the Deathstalker can kill a human with a single stab of its barbed tail.
Dioxin
Reputed to be the most dangerous man-made poison, it is 60,000 times more toxic than cyanide. A dose of only 50 micrograms is lethal for a human - that's a 1,000th of a small pill.
Death Lily
Leaves can be confused with wild onions. Found in America and Siberia. It's fatal to humans and animals. Symptoms start with burning lips and grow to slow heart beat, low temperature, coma and finally death.
Golden Poison Frog
Found in Colombia, this tiny 1.5ins frog is the world's most poisonous creature. The lethal venom is on its skin and it kills anything that eats it. An average frog carries about one milligram of poison, which is enough to kill 10,000 mice or 10 to 20 humans.
Anthrax
Contamination often comes from exposure to infected animals. Symptoms include vomiting blood and respiratory collapse. It killed five people in the US in 2001 who were received it in the post.
Stonefish
Found on the sea bed off Australia, the stonefish's sharp dorsal spines contain enough poison to kill a human if trodden on. Death can occur within hours of being stung.
Monday, May 07, 2007
ABCD Alphabets of Happiness
A--Accept
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if
you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
B--Break Away
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to
accomplish with your life.
C--Create
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams,
sorrows, and happiness with.
D--Decide
Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good
things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the
way.
E--Explore
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much
to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about
yourself.
F--Forgive
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness
and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G--Grow
Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or
stand in your way.
H--Hope
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as
you remain dedicated to the task.
I--Ignore
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals
and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small
inkling of what the future holds.
J--Journey
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try
to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K--Know
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The
warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L--Love
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart,
there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's
room for endless happiness.
Accept others for who they are and for the choices they've made even if
you have difficulty understanding their beliefs, motives, or actions.
B--Break Away
Break away from everything that stands in the way of what you hope to
accomplish with your life.
C--Create
Create a family of friends whom you can share your hopes, dreams,
sorrows, and happiness with.
D--Decide
Decide that you'll be successful and happy come what may, and good
things will find you. The roadblocks are only minor obstacles along the
way.
E--Explore
Explore and experiment. The world has much to offer, and you have much
to give. And every time you try something new, you'll learn more about
yourself.
F--Forgive
Forgive and forget. Grudges only weigh you down and inspire unhappiness
and grief. Soar above it, and remember that everyone makes mistakes.
G--Grow
Leave the childhood monsters behind. They can no longer hurt you or
stand in your way.
H--Hope
Hope for the best and never forget that anything is possible as long as
you remain dedicated to the task.
I--Ignore
Ignore the negative voice inside your head. Focus instead on your goals
and remember your accomplishments. Your past success is only a small
inkling of what the future holds.
J--Journey
Journey to new worlds, new possibilities, by remaining open-minded. Try
to learn something new every day, and you'll grow.
K--Know
Know that no matter how bad things seem, they'll always get better. The
warmth of spring always follows the harshest winter.
L--Love
Let love fill your heart instead of hate. When hate is in your heart,
there's room for nothing else, but when love is in your heart, there's
room for endless happiness.
M--Manage
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less
stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things
in life.
N--Notice
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your
assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O--Open
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the
worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P--Play
Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without
happiness.
Q--Question
Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R--Relax
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things
always have a way of working out in the end.
S--Share
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything
that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T--Try
Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be
amazed by what you can accomplish.
U--Use
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value.
Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V--Value
Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged
you, and be there for them as well.
W--Work
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel
guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second
chance.
X--X-Ray
Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the
goodness and beauty within.
Y--Yield
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll
find success at the end of the road.
Z--Zoom
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head.
Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your
abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
Manage your time and your expenses wisely, and you'll suffer less
stress and worry. Then you'll be able to focus on the important things
in life.
N--Notice
Never ignore the poor, infirm, helpless, weak, or suffering. Offer your
assistance when possible, and always your kindness and understanding.
O--Open
Open your eyes and take in all the beauty around you. Even during the
worst of times, there's still much to be thankful for.
P--Play
Never forget to have fun along the way. Success means nothing without
happiness.
Q--Question
Ask many questions, because you're here to learn.
R--Relax
Refuse to let worry and stress rule your life, and remember that things
always have a way of working out in the end.
S--Share
Share your talent, skills, knowledge, and time with others. Everything
that you invest in others will return to you many times over.
T--Try
Even when your dreams seem impossible to reach, try anyway. You'll be
amazed by what you can accomplish.
U--Use
Use your gifts to your best ability. Talent that's wasted has no value.
Talent that's used will bring unexpected rewards.
V--Value
Value the friends and family members who've supported and encouraged
you, and be there for them as well.
W--Work
Work hard every day to be the best person you can be, but never feel
guilty if you fall short of your goals. Every sunrise offers a second
chance.
X--X-Ray
Look deep inside the hearts of those around you and you'll see the
goodness and beauty within.
Y--Yield
Yield to commitment. If you stay on track and remain dedicated, you'll
find success at the end of the road.
Z--Zoom
Zoom to a happy place when bad memories or sorrow rears its ugly head.
Let nothing interfere with your goals. Instead, focus on your
abilities, your dreams, and a brighter tomorrow.
How to burn a Cigaratte
Question : You are in a boat in the middle of a river.You have
2Cigarettes and have to light any one cigarette. You don't have
anything else with you in the boat....how will you do it?
Answer: Take one cigarette and throw it in the water.So the boat will
become LIGHTER. using this LIGHTER you can light the other Cigarette.
Want?another deadly answer. Scroll down a little.....
Another solution: You throw a cigarette up and catch it. Catches win
Matches. Using the matches that you win, you can light the cigarette.
If that was not enough, one more deadly answer....scroll down....
Take water in your hand and drop it drop by drop...(TIP - TIP)
"TIP TIP barsa Pani. Pani ne aag lagayee."
us aag se hamne cigarette jalayee".
If that was not enough, one more deadly answer..scroll down
Start praising one cigarette, The other will get jealous & "jalney lagega"
Searching for me..I am also searching for the person who sent it to me!!!
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Pappu Pass Ho Gaya - Funny
************ *****
TEACHER : What is the chemical formula for water?
PAPPU : "HIJKLMNO ! "!!
TEACHER : What are you talking about?
PAPPU : Yesterday you said it's H to O !
************ *****
TEACHER : PAPPU, go to the map and find North America.
PAPPU : Here it is!TEACHER : Correct. Now, class, who discovered America?
CLASS : PAPPU!
************ *****
TEACHER : PAPPU, how do you spell "crocodile"?
PAPPU : "K-R-O-K-O-D- A-I-L"
TEACHER : No, that's wrong
PAPPU : Maybe it's wrong, but you asked me how I spell it!
************ *****
TEACHER : PAPPU, give me a sentence starting with "I".
PAPPU : I is...
TEACHER : No, PAPPU. Always say, "I am."
PAPPU : All right... "I am the ninth letter of the alphabet."
************ *****
TEACHER : "Can anybody give an example of " COINCIDENCE?"
PAPPU : "Sir, my Mother and Father got married on the same day, same time."
************ *****
TEACHER : "George Washington not only chopped down his father's Cherry tree, but also admitted doing it. Now do you know why his father didn't punish him?"
PAPPU : "Because George still had the axe in his hand?"
************ *****
PAPPU : Daddy, have you ever been to Egypt?
FATHER : No. Why do you ask that?
PAPPU: Well, where did you get THIS mummy then?
************ *****
TEACHER : What a pair of strange socks you are wearing, one is green and one is blue with red spots !
PAPPU: Yes it's really strange. I've got another pair just like that at home.
************ *****
TEACHER : Now, PAPPU, tell me frankly do you say prayers before eating ?
PAPPU: No sir, I don't have to , my mom is a good cook.
************ *****
TEACHER : PAPPU, your composition on "My Dog" is exactly the same as yourbrother's. Did you copy his ?
PAPPU: No, teacher, it's the same dog !
************ ****
TEACHER : What do you call a person who keeps on talking when people are no longer interested?
PAPPU: A teacher
************ ****
Monday, April 16, 2007
Swami Vivekananda
When I Asked God for Strength
He Gave Me Difficult Situations to Face
When I Asked God for Brain & Brown
He Gave Me Puzzles in Life to Solve
When I Asked God for Happiness
He Showed Me Some Unhappy People
When I Asked God for Wealth
He Showed Me How to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Favors
He Showed Me Opportunities to Work Hard
When I Asked God for Peace
He Showed Me How to Help Others
God Gave Me Nothing I Wanted
He Gave Me Everything I Needed
- Swami Vivekananda
Thursday, April 12, 2007
E-Books Links
Adobe Photoshop CS Type Effects will help you master the advanced type effect techniques of Photoshop CS. Use Photoshop CS to apply a variety of effects to your text, including a spiral effect for a CD, a tiled mosaic effect, and a unique magnifying glass effect.
Download Advanced Photoshop Techniques eBook
September 28th, 2006Download Windows XP : 5 - Minute Fixes
September 27th, 2006- Eliminate the things that drive you crazy
- Unclutter your desktop
- Use System Restore when Windows won’t start
- Organize your digital life
- Delete those files that won’t go away
- Diagnose and fix misbehaving programs
- Enjoy Windows Media Player 10
- Unlock XP’s hidden power
Download Link : http://rapidshare. de/files/ 34408792/ Windows.XP. 5.Minute. Fixes.rar. html
- Unclutter your desktop
- Use System Restore when Windows won’t start
- Organize your digital life
- Delete those files that won’t go away
- Diagnose and fix misbehaving programs
- Enjoy Windows Media Player 10
- Unlock XP’s hidden power
Download Link : http://rapidshare. de/files/ 34408792/ Windows.XP. 5.Minute. Fixes.rar. html
Download C# Bible
September 27th, 2006Title : C# Bible
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 27084186/ Wiley_C.Sharp. Bible.rar
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 27084186/ Wiley_C.Sharp. Bible.rar
Download Professional Visual Studio 2005 eBook
September 25th, 2006TABLE OF CONTENT:
Part 01 - The Integrated Development Environment
Part 02 - Project and Solution Design
Part 03 - Documentation and Research
Part 04 - Security and Modeling
Part 05 - Coding
Part 06 - Automation
Part 07 - Other Time Savers
Part 08 - Build and Deployment
Part 09 - Debugging and Testing
Part 10 - Extensions for Visual Studio 2005
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 33894032/ prof_v_s_ 2k5.rar password: ganelon
Part 01 - The Integrated Development Environment
Part 02 - Project and Solution Design
Part 03 - Documentation and Research
Part 04 - Security and Modeling
Part 05 - Coding
Part 06 - Automation
Part 07 - Other Time Savers
Part 08 - Build and Deployment
Part 09 - Debugging and Testing
Part 10 - Extensions for Visual Studio 2005
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 33894032/ prof_v_s_ 2k5.rar password: ganelon
Download C# Programmer’s Handbook
September 25th, 2006Title: C# Programmer’s Handbook
Number Of Pages: 584
Number Of Pages: 584
C Programming
September 17th, 2006This book is meant to help the reader learn how to program in C. It contains a tutorial
introduction to get new users started as soon as possible, separate chapters on each major
feature, and a reference manual. Most of the treatment is based on reading, writing and
revising examples, rather than on mere statements of rules. For the most part, the examples are
complete, real programs rather than isolated fragments. All examples have been tested directly
from the text, which is in machine-readable form. Besides showing how to make effective use
of the language.
introduction to get new users started as soon as possible, separate chapters on each major
feature, and a reference manual. Most of the treatment is based on reading, writing and
revising examples, rather than on mere statements of rules. For the most part, the examples are
complete, real programs rather than isolated fragments. All examples have been tested directly
from the text, which is in machine-readable form. Besides showing how to make effective use
of the language.
TABLE OF CONTENT:
Chapter 01 - A Tutorial Introduction
Chapter 02 - Types, Operators and Expressions
Chapter 03 - Control Flow
Chapter 04 - Functions and Program Structure
Chapter 05 - Pointers and Arrays
Chapter 06 - Structures
Chapter 07 - Input and Output
Chapter 08 - The UNIX System Interface
Appendix A - Reference Manual
Appendix B - Standard Library
Appendix C - Summary of Changes
Chapter 01 - A Tutorial Introduction
Chapter 02 - Types, Operators and Expressions
Chapter 03 - Control Flow
Chapter 04 - Functions and Program Structure
Chapter 05 - Pointers and Arrays
Chapter 06 - Structures
Chapter 07 - Input and Output
Chapter 08 - The UNIX System Interface
Appendix A - Reference Manual
Appendix B - Standard Library
Appendix C - Summary of Changes
Author(s): Brian W. Kernighan, Dennis M. Ritchie
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Language: English
File type: PDF
Pages: 216
Size (for download): 1.00 MB
Publisher: Prentice Hall
Language: English
File type: PDF
Pages: 216
Size (for download): 1.00 MB
Download Links: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 32959319/ the_c_prog_ lang_2e.rar
password: ganelon
password: ganelon
PHP / MySQL Programming for the Beginner
September 17th, 2006PHP is a powerful programming language that lets you build dynamic Web sites. It works well on a variety of platforms, and it’s reasonably easy to understand. MySQL is an impressive relational data management system used to build commercial quality databases. PHP and MySQL are such powerful and easy-to-use platforms that they make Web programming accessible even for beginners.
In this book, You’ll learn all the main concepts of programming languages. You’ll also learn about how data works in the modern environment. You’ll learn commands and syntax, but you’ll also learn the process of programming.
If you’ve never written a computer program before, this book will be a good introduction. If you’re an experienced programmer wanting to learn PHP and MySQL, you’ll find this book to be a gentle introduction
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 29987396/ PHP___…nner__2003_ .rar
Password: www.ebooksheaven. org
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 29987396/ PHP___…nner__2003_ .rar
Password: www.ebooksheaven. org
100 Linux Tips And Tricks
September 17th, 2006This book was written for anyone using Linux, from new users to experts who want to explore this wonderful operating system. The tips and tricks in this book were discovered by myself over years of experience using Linux, and learning about it. Some are very basic tips to make your computing life easier, others are advanced tricks that can save you days of work. This book is divided into 5 chapters. Each chapter covers a specific topic: - Installation of Linux - Hardware related matterstected. - Software - Networking (In All Its Forms) - Development
Author(s): Patrick Lambert
File type: PDF
Pages: 116
Size (for download): 1.19 MB
File type: PDF
Pages: 116
Size (for download): 1.19 MB
Download Link: http://rapidshare. de/files/ 33429392/ 100_lin_t_ n_t.rar password: ganelon
Friday, April 06, 2007
Identify the Indian State / Union Territory / Metro a BSNL cellphone belong to.
I came across this table below to identify the home state (Indian) to which a a BSNL (Bharat Sanchar Nigam Ltd) cellphone belong to. For example, if the cell phone number is 9447100100, its first 4 digits are 9447, which belong to Kerala state as per the lookup table given below.
| Andaman & Nicobar Islands (A&N) | 9479, 9432 |
| Andhra Pradesh (AP) | 9473 , 9440, 9441 |
| Assam | 9478 |
| Bihar | 9475, 9431 |
| Chennai | 9470, 9444 |
| Kolkata | 9481 |
| Gujrat | 9457,9426 |
| Haryana | 9450, 9416 |
| Himachal Pradesh (HP) | 9451,9418 |
| Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) | 9452,9419 |
| Karnataka | 9471, 9448 |
| Kerala | 9472, 9447 |
| Madhya Pradesh (MP) | 9458,9425 |
| Maharastra | 9456, 9422 |
| North East (NE) states | 9477 |
| Orissa | 9476, 9437 |
| Punjab | 9453, 9417 |
| Rajasthan | 9459, 9414 |
| Tamil Nadu (TN) | 9480, 9443 |
| Utter Pradesh (UP) East | 9455, 9415 |
| Utter Pradesh (UP( West | 9454, 9412 |
| West Begnal (WB) | 9474, 9434 |
Wednesday, April 04, 2007
Symantec Chennai Center
Symantec is further expanding its R&D and technical operations in the country with the inauguration of a new Centre of Innovation at Chennai.
The Centre of Innovation at Chennai was inaugurated by Thiru Dayanidhi Maran, Honorable Minister for Communications & Information Technology and John W. Thompson, chairman and CEO of Symantec.
According to Symantec, the Chennai centre will play a critical role in the development of its next generation of security and availability products and solutions for enterprises and consumers world over.
Providing a preview of the work to be done out of the Chennai Centre, Anil Chakravarthy, vice president, India Technical Operations at Symantec Corporation said, "The Chennai centre will play a significant role in developing innovative products and services across Symantec's portfolio. In the coming year, the centre will focus extensively on developing next-generation Security 2.0 products including the distinguished Norton
product line."
Maran said, "We are in an era of online collaboration and interactions, where the entire world is getting connected and touching our lives in different ways.
In this milieu, Symantec's Centre of Innovation at Chennai will play a key role in developing new solutions and enabling an environment of safe and secure computing for enterprises and consumers in India and globally."
Symantec believes that Chennai being a major commercial and industrial city with a rich talent pool, good infrastructure and excellent educational institutions, the new center will further augment their already existing R&D and engineering strengths in the country.
Furthermore, the company said that these capabilities will be used to maintain and extend the technology and product leadership globally. The focus is also to be the solution provider of choice in a rapidly 'Connected India'.
The Centre of Innovation at Chennai is Symantec's second R&D facility in the country; while the first centre is in Pune, which works on high-end product development in the security, storage, and compliance domains.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
A Short Story - Attitude
A little boy went into a drug store, reached for a soda carton and ask him for a Phone Call.
Shop-owner replied Sweety this is no a STD, but you can do one call.
The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation:
The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?
The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn."
Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now." replied boy.
The woman responded that she was very satisfied with the person who was presently cutting her lawn.
The little boy found more perseverance and offered,
"Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of North-Palm beach, Florida."
Again the woman answered in the negative. With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.
The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy and said,
"Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."
The little boy replied, "No thanks, I was just checking my performance with the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to!"
Your ALTITUDE is decided by your ATTITUDE...
Shop-owner replied Sweety this is no a STD, but you can do one call.
The store-owner observed and listened to the conversation:
The boy asked, "Lady, Can you give me the job of cutting your lawn?
The woman replied, "I already have someone to cut my lawn."
Lady, I will cut your lawn for half the price of the person who cuts your lawn now." replied boy.
The woman responded that she was very satisfied with the person who was presently cutting her lawn.
The little boy found more perseverance and offered,
"Lady, I'll even sweep your curb and your sidewalk, so on Sunday you will have the prettiest lawn in all of North-Palm beach, Florida."
Again the woman answered in the negative. With a smile on his face, the little boy replaced the receiver.
The store-owner, who was listening to all this, walked over to the boy and said,
"Son... I like your attitude; I like that positive spirit and would like to offer you a job."
The little boy replied, "No thanks, I was just checking my performance with the job I already have. I am the one who is working for that lady, I was talking to!"
Your ALTITUDE is decided by your ATTITUDE...
Monday, March 26, 2007
Friday, March 23, 2007
United States fund for UNICEF
Hi guys,
Join the hands of United States in collecting funds for UNICEF. You dont need to spend any penny for this. Just click the following link and you will be contributor of UNICEF
http://friends.unicefusa.org/r/a526c47a29fb102a8325
Join the hands of United States in collecting funds for UNICEF. You dont need to spend any penny for this. Just click the following link and you will be contributor of UNICEF
http://friends.unicefusa.org/r/a526c47a29fb102a8325
Wednesday, March 21, 2007
Sherlock Holmes - ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE
I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door behind me.
“You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear Watson,” he said cordially.
“I was afraid that you were engaged.”
“So I am. Very much so.”
“Then I can wait in the next room.”
“Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also.”
The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small fat-encircled eyes.
“Try the settee,” said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in judicial moods. “I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own little adventures.”
“Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me,” I observed.
“You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more daring than any effort of the imagination.”
“A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting.”
“You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique things are very often connected not with the larger but with the smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I have heard, it is impossible for me to say whether the present case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the facts are, to the best of my belief, unique.”
The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance.
I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor bore every mark of being an average commonplace British tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey shepherd’s check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and discontent upon his features.
Sherlock Holmes’ quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. “Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of writing lately, I can deduce nothing else.”
Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion.
“How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. Holmes?” he asked. “How did you know, for example, that I did manual labour. It’s as true as gospel, for I began as a ship’s carpenter.”
“Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more developed.”
“Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?”
“I won’t insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you use an arc-and-compass breastpin.”
“Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?”
“What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?”
“Well, but China?”
“The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes’ scales of a delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter becomes even more simple.”
Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. “Well, I never!” said he. “I thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see that there was nothing in it after all.”
“I begin to think, Watson,” said Holmes, “that I make a mistake in explaining. ‘Omne ignotum pro magnifico,’ you know, and my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?”
“Yes, I have got it now,” he answered with his thick red finger planted halfway down the column. “Here it is. This is what began it all. You just read it for yourself, sir.”
I took the paper from him and read as follows:
“TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a salary of £4 a week for purely nominal services. All red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at eleven o’clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 Pope’s Court, Fleet Street.”
“What on earth does this mean?” I ejaculated after I had twice read over the extraordinary announcement.
Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when in high spirits. “It is a little off the beaten track, isn’t it?” said he. “And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Doctor, of the paper and the date.”
“It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months ago.”
“Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?”
“Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock Holmes,” said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; “I have a small pawnbroker’s business at Coburg Square, near the City. It’s not a very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the business.”
“What is the name of this obliging youth?” asked Sherlock Holmes.
“His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he’s not such a youth, either. It’s hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?”
“Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience among employers in this age. I don’t know that your assistant is not as remarkable as your advertisement.”
“Oh, he has his faults, too,” said Mr. Wilson. “Never was such a fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his main fault, but on the whole he’s a good worker. There’s no vice in him.”
“He is still with you, I presume?”
“Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple cooking and keeps the place clean—that’s all I have in the house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads and pay our debts, if we do nothing more.
“The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says:
“ ‘I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.’
“ ‘Why that?’ I asks.
“ ‘Why,’ says he, ‘here’s another vacancy on the League of the Red-headed Men. It’s worth quite a little fortune to any man who gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits’ end what to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here’s a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.’
“ ‘Why, what is it, then?’ I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn’t know much of what was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news.
“ ‘Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?’ he asked with his eyes open.
“ ‘Never.’
“ ‘Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one of the vacancies.’
“ ‘And what are they worth?’ I asked.
“ ‘Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, and it need not interfere very much with one’s other occupations.’
“Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, for the business has not been over good for some years, and an extra couple of hundred would have been very handy.
“ ‘Tell me all about it,’ said I.
“ ‘Well,’ said he, showing me the advertisement, ‘you can see for yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; so, when he died, it was found that he had left his enormous fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to do.’
“ ‘But,’ said I, ‘there would be millions of red-headed men who would apply.’
“ ‘Not so many as you might think,’ he answered. ‘You see it is really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a few hundred pounds.’
“Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for the address that was given us in the advertisement.
“I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope’s Court looked like a coster’s orange barrow. I should not have thought there were so many in the whole country as were brought together by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they were—straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ourselves in the office.”
“Your experience has been a most entertaining one,” remarked Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge pinch of snuff. “Pray continue your very interesting statement.”
“There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he might have a private word with us.
“ ‘This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,’ said my assistant, ‘and he is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.’
“ ‘And he is admirably suited for it,’ the other answered. ‘He has every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so fine.’ He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my success.
“ ‘It would be injustice to hesitate,’ said he. ‘You will, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.’ With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I yelled with the pain. ‘There is water in your eyes,’ said he as he released me. ‘I perceive that all is as it should be. But we have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler’s wax which would disgust you with human nature.’ He stepped over to the window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the manager.
“ ‘My name,’ said he, ‘is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?’
“I answered that I had not.
“His face fell immediately.
“ ‘Dear me!’ he said gravely, ‘that is very serious indeed! I am sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a bachelor.’
“My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for a few minutes he said that it would be all right.
“ ‘In the case of another,’ said he, ‘the objection might be fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your new duties?’
“ ‘Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,’ said I.
“ ‘Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!’ said Vincent Spaulding. ‘I should be able to look after that for you.’
“ ‘What would be the hours?’ I asked.
“ ‘Ten to two.’
“Now a pawnbroker’s business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, and that he would see to anything that turned up.
“ ‘That would suit me very well,’ said I. ‘And the pay?’
“ ‘Is £4 a week.’
“ ‘And the work?’
“ ‘Is purely nominal.’
“ ‘What do you call purely nominal?’
“ ‘Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You don’t comply with the conditions if you budge from the office during that time.’
“ ‘It’s only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,’ said I.
“ ‘No excuse will avail,’ said Mr. Duncan Ross; ‘neither sickness nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose your billet.’
“ ‘And the work?’
“ ‘Is to copy out the Encyclopaedia Britannica. There is the first volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be ready to-morrow?’
“ ‘Certainly,’ I answered.
“ ‘Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you once more on the important position which you have been fortunate enough to gain.’ He bowed me out of the room and I went home with my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased at my own good fortune.
“Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Encyclopaedia Britannica. Vincent Spaulding did what he could to cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for Pope’s Court.
“Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o’clock he bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had written, and locked the door of the office after me.
“This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my week’s work. It was the same next week, and the same the week after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk the loss of it.
“Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B’s before very long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole business came to an end.”
“To an end?”
“Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as usual at ten o’clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself.”
He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet of note-paper. It read in this fashion:
THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE
IS
DISSOLVED.
October 9, 1890.
Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so completely overtopped every other consideration that we both burst out into a roar of laughter.
“I cannot see that there is anything very funny,” cried our client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. “If you can do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere.”
“No, no,” cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from which he had half risen. “I really wouldn’t miss your case for the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the door?”
“I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant living on the ground floor, and I asked him if he could tell me what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him.
“ ‘Well,’ said I, ‘the gentleman at No. 4.’
“ ‘What, the red-headed man?’
“ ‘Yes.’
“ ‘Oh,’ said he, ‘his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.’
“ ‘Where could I find him?’
“ ‘Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 King Edward Street, near St. Paul’s.’
“I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross.”
“And what did you do then?” asked Holmes.
“I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right away to you.”
“And you did very wisely,” said Holmes. “Your case is an exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear.”
“Grave enough!” said Mr. Jabez Wilson. “Why, I have lost four pound a week.”
“As far as you are personally concerned,” remarked Holmes, “I do not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some £30, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have lost nothing by them.”
“No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, and what their object was in playing this prank—if it was a prank—upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it cost them two and thirty pounds.”
“We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who first called your attention to the advertisement—how long had he been with you?”
“About a month then.”
“How did he come?”
“In answer to an advertisement.”
“Was he the only applicant?”
“No, I had a dozen.”
“Why did you pick him?”
“Because he was handy and would come cheap.”
“At half wages, in fact.”
“Yes.”
“What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?”
“Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, though he’s not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon his forehead.”
Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. “I thought as much,” said he. “Have you ever observed that his ears are pierced for earrings?”
“Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he was a lad.”
“Hum!” said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. “He is still with you?”
“Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him.”
“And has your business been attended to in your absence?”
“Nothing to complain of, sir. There’s never very much to do of a morning.”
“That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion.”
“Well, Watson,” said Holmes when our visitor had left us, “what do you make of it all?”
“I make nothing of it,” I answered frankly. “It is a most mysterious business.”
“As a rule,” said Holmes, “the more bizarre a thing is the less mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this matter.”
“What are you going to do, then?” I asked.
“To smoke,” he answered. “It is quite a three pipe problem, and I beg that you won’t speak to me for fifty minutes.” He curled himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put his pipe down upon the mantelpiece.
“Sarasate plays at the St. James’s Hall this afternoon,” he remarked. “What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare you for a few hours?”
“I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very absorbing.”
“Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!”
We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded laurel bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with “JABEZ WILSON” in white letters, upon a corner house, announced the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally he returned to the pawnbroker’s, and, having thumped vigorously upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step in.
“Thank you,” said Holmes, “I only wished to ask you how you would go from here to the Strand.”
“Third right, fourth left,” answered the assistant promptly, closing the door.
“Smart fellow, that,” observed Holmes as we walked away. “He is, in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known something of him before.”
“Evidently,” said I, “Mr. Wilson’s assistant counts for a good deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you inquired your way merely in order that you might see him.”
“Not him.”
“What then?”
“The knees of his trousers.”
“And what did you see?”
“What I expected to see.”
“Why did you beat the pavement?”
“My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We are spies in an enemy’s country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it.”
The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line of fine shops and stately business premises that they really abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square which we had just quitted.
“Let me see,” said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing along the line, “I should like just to remember the order of the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of London. There is Mortimer’s, the tobacconist, the little newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane’s carriage-building depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, Doctor, we’ve done our work, so it’s time we had some play. A sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums.”
My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James’s Hall I felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set himself to hunt down.
“You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor,” he remarked as we emerged.
“Yes, it would be as well.”
“And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This business at Coburg Square is serious.”
“Why serious?”
“A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help to-night.”
“At what time?”
“Ten will be early enough.”
“I shall be at Baker Street at ten.”
“Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket.” He waved his hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the crowd.
I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed copier of the Encyclopaedia down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker’s assistant was a formidable man—a man who might play a deep game. I tried to puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside until night should bring an explanation.
It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering his room, I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat.
“Ha! Our party is complete,” said Holmes, buttoning up his pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. “Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in to-night’s adventure.”
“We’re hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see,” said Jones in his consequential way. “Our friend here is a wonderful man for starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do the running down.”
“I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase,” observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily.
“You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir,” said the police agent loftily. “He has his own little methods, which are, if he won’t mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly correct than the official force.”
“Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right,” said the stranger with deference. “Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I have not had my rubber.”
“I think you will find,” said Sherlock Holmes, “that you will play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, the stake will be some £30,000; and for you, Jones, it will be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands.”
“John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He’s a young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on any criminal in London. He’s a remarkable man, is young John Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to find the man himself. He’ll crack a crib in Scotland one week, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. I’ve been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him yet.”
“I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. I’ve had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the second.”
Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit streets until we emerged into Farrington Street.
“We are close there now,” my friend remarked. “This fellow Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we are, and they are waiting for us.”
We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all round with crates and massive boxes.
“You are not very vulnerable from above,” Holmes remarked as he held up the lantern and gazed about him.
“Nor from below,” said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon the flags which lined the floor. “Why, dear me, it sounds quite hollow!” he remarked, looking up in surprise.
“I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!” said Holmes severely. “You have already imperilled the whole success of our expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?”
The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again and put his glass in his pocket.
“We have at least an hour before us,” he remarked, “for they can hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at present, Doctor—as no doubt you have divined—in the cellar of the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at present.”
“It is our French gold,” whispered the director. “We have had several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it.”
“Your French gold?”
“Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the directors have had misgivings upon the subject.”
“Which were very well justified,” observed Holmes. “And now it is time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern.”
“And sit in the dark?”
“I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your rubber after all. But I see that the enemy’s preparations have gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no compunction about shooting them down.”
I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness—such an absolute darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready to flash out at a moment’s notice. To me, with my nerves worked up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the vault.
“They have but one retreat,” whispered Holmes. “That is back through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have done what I asked you, Jones?”
“I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door.”
“Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent and wait.”
What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must have almost gone, and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint of a light.
At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the stones.
Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face and a shock of very red hair.
“It’s all clear,” he whispered. “Have you the chisel and the bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I’ll swing for it!”
Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes’ hunting crop came down on the man’s wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone floor.
“It’s no use, John Clay,” said Holmes blandly. “You have no chance at all.”
“So I see,” the other answered with the utmost coolness. “I fancy that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his coat-tails.”
“There are three men waiting for him at the door,” said Holmes.
“Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I must compliment you.”
“And I you,” Holmes answered. “Your red-headed idea was very new and effective.”
“You’ll see your pal again presently,” said Jones. “He’s quicker at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the derbies.”
“I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands,” remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. “You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the goodness, also, when you address me always to say ‘sir’ and ‘please.’ ”
“All right,” said Jones with a stare and a snigger. “Well, would you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry your Highness to the police-station?”
“That is better,” said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the detective.
“Really, Mr. Holmes,” said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them from the cellar, “I do not know how the bank can thank you or repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience.”
“I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. John Clay,” said Holmes. “I have been at some small expense over this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the Red-headed League.”
“You see, Watson,” he explained in the early hours of the morning as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, “it was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the League, and the copying of the Encyclopaedia, must be to get this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was no doubt suggested to Clay’s ingenious mind by the colour of his accomplice’s hair. The £4 a week was a lure which must draw him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive for securing the situation.”
“But how could you guess what the motive was?”
“Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The man’s business was a small one, and there was nothing in his house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant’s fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in London. He was doing something in the cellar—something which took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to some other building.
“So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and Suburban Bank abutted on our friend’s premises, and felt that I had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank directors, with the result that you have seen.”
“And how could you tell that they would make their attempt to-night?” I asked.
“Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson’s presence—in other words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night.”
“You reasoned it out beautifully,” I exclaimed in unfeigned admiration. “It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings true.”
“It saved me from ennui,” he answered, yawning. “Alas! I already feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little problems help me to do so.”
“And you are a benefactor of the race,” said I.
He shrugged his shoulders. “Well, perhaps, after all, it is of some little use,” he remarked. “ ‘L’homme c’est rien—l’oeuvre c’est tout,’ as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand.”
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