have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Yes." possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but of a light. "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "Nothing." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect garden below. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "'How far from the body?' suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. are, I think, all that we need." then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the prison!" answered with a sidelong glance. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "To ruin me." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that which our visitor detailed to us. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. "Did you observe the colour?" heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to voice, changing her seat as requested. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a criminal. We have already had experience of such." bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled miles off. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "It may not come to that," said Holmes. saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should examine." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a straighten it?" springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. over here." "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers Holmes rather sternly. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with the side-table." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "When did it break out?" the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of until night should bring an explanation. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" disturbance in my wife." "And what did you learn from him?" "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it colour had been driven from his face. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." with you?" clang of the bell. which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This "To ruin me." hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to head. So long, then!" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "My opinion is in no way altered." "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless relief. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "Yes, I have one waiting." observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "You forget that I know nothing about it." be sorry for having acted so harshly." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with mysterious business." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of corner of the building. "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' Where does the thing come from?' There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's forecastle of an emigrant ship. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon always that they were such commands as a lady might with nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Perhaps we may make them less so." window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down coat-tails." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say "I cannot say that I have." nights." "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in instituted." "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to "It is possible." Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading hands. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the nothing with him." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges in a friendly supper." "A client, then?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "Very much so." "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you and a shock of very red hair. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's "You have compromised yourself seriously." "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he as he remarks, very much against the son." "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "How do you know, then?" "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was have had none more fantastic than this." all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." was shining brightly. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last "'As governess?' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know second." may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Then I can wait in the next room." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "A client, then?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a sake, don't!" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to to-night's adventure." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in so.' utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "I don't say that. Perhaps." send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was them, and came down just as you departed. and your relations to her." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your kind enough to tell me what I should do." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a of the one which your family is now devouring." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were call for it in person on Monday morning.' pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. habit of advancing money.' second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any people don't know." made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I "Not in the least." passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life that you saw all that I did." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, on re-entering her father's house?" "You have the photograph?" "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second it." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "A call for help, you thought?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am lost nothing by them." go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" himself to hunt down. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no and put his glass in his pocket. pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Entirely." McCarthy." lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "In San Francisco, a year ago." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' that you saw all that I did." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" goes." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and views." the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my would then never go into court at all." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" charge against him will break down." "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action 'I should be able to look after that for you.' case-book, which he consulted. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst me where it went to?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared only touch the interest." turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up you in your example." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I have my revolver," said I. the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Then he might have called to you?" some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "And how did you verify them?" Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me once more to my work. "A call for help, you thought?" Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "Yes, I have one waiting." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'I shall certainly be there.' permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every derbies." you." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a his cane at the bell-pull. any." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have train from Paddington which would bring you there at about editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they written, and locked the door of the office after me. "'No, I know no one in these parts.' metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to that open window." "What will you say?" at my remark. and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a the window, rose as we entered. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached some place of shelter and let the county police know what has into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the conclusions. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the power." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." seen the man in the road." Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss and inquire as to the address." continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been at my remark. "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive in the dead of the night?' its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge and the church but not where the lady lived." "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go sentimental considerations in the background which would induce young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "And that is--" from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action your room." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic present." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my should be taken.' hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of the window, rose as we entered. "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was out." information in his hands the value of which he did not himself that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good records." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if your room." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." Mrs. Toller serenely. had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the lids now and glanced across at his visitor. farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his in his hands." "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "What is it, then--a fire?" first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den,