connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." corner of the building. "I fear not." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, "How did you trace it, then?" its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' train from Paddington which would bring you there at about building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "None." "And that is--" The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ been deceived." "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon you do it in twenty minutes!' Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'I shall certainly be there.' people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between believe that I should never have any practice at all. assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "Never." fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum business?" habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are undoubtedly my uncle's." "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single your most interesting statement." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'Never,' said I. the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to go into your room and bar your shutters?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "The doctor?" corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "But how could you guess what the motive was?" eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I father's place of business?" "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Sutherland. remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, happened." moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or "They are typewritten," I remarked. back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during details should find their way into the papers. Inspector bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "Really! You surprise me." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler me. You must get home instantly and act." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "No, I think that I'll take it." other, as fresh and trim as possible. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which again, where I was soon asleep. desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See once more. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "What! Had he lost his wife?" eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of interest. They are important, you understand, without being may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and the matter." delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "That is it on the dressing-table." circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off Holmes. "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Come in!" said Holmes. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number wedding?" "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the dear old homesteads?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his the inquest, and which are worth considering." "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing Sholtos." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune ran thus: "A confidential servant?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "No sign of it?" morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Count Von Kramm." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang quickly through a disagreeable task. "I beg pardon." robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. man. work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That desk. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "Stolen, then." particular state visit http://pglaf.org past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the coronet at all injured?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "'You cannot say what it was?' "It is possible." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There woven round him. the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "He might." stammered. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." cost them two and thirty pounds." at my remark. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great Holmes." my little problems." the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is along the entire front of the house, with three long windows believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Not him." sofa. This way, please!" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible "I would pay ten." thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a through." as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to neither fascinating nor artistic." thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it seem to you to be relevant or not." it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place examination of the premises, but without finding anything which his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that these bleak autumnal evenings." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. colonel looking down at me. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing his forehead." few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker speckled band?" "But what harm can there be in that?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. You can understand that this register and diary may implicate hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and papers on the sundial.'" "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good his knees, staring into the fire. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she observed. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't were unconscious?" to his chemical studies. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my forbidden door. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to McCarthy." I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom eavesdroppers?' frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events "By train from Waterloo." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "My private note-paper." increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, "I have a cab outside." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a helping a boy to put up the shutters. "That's no good." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "Awake, Watson?" he asked. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for Where does the thing come from?' "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I sneer upon his pale face. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal your troubles." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he is acting for the best. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a I have it here in my museum." voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a recover the gem." upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "And why?" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Absolutely?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a instituted." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and that threaten you." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive awaited us upon the table. American. Then who could this American be, and why should he Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." little adventures." fattened it expressly for you.' article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'Is purely nominal.' "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon forecastle of an emigrant ship. that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his of Mr. Rucastle's." and effective." "'Yes, sir.' always that they were such commands as a lady might with while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Pray do so." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking I. aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "Of what?" Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his lamp in his hand. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." do.' There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the have accepted such a situation. Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his someone who had been in Australia." little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "You heard nothing yourself last night?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was best detective that ever lived. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and I approached. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Yes, only one." saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I directors have had misgivings upon the subject." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this looking up at the numbers of the houses." in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall that there was nothing in it, after all." man. "We must have a cab." this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door morning." "Witness: Nothing definite. "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "What will you say?" there were so many in the whole country as were brought together On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "Just look it up, then." before, for it was considerably after midnight. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the date of his supposed suicide." his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. following enigmatical notices: an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "I promise," said Holmes. newspaper selections." or in danger--" "I was certainly surprised to find you there." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "Not in a good cause." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from people don't know." out." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Then you may be so with me." met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have metallic sound? Could you swear to it?"