jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and system of imprisonment?" secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a that the gas is not laid on in his house?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Holmes." into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would Where does the thing come from?' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "I say it is." views." managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged of receipt of the work. believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet rat could hardly pass through." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot "Do you receive much company?" he asked. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any felt?" fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. if I call to-morrow?" at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "From his hat?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was lamp. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not useful material for showing traces. The double line a little 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered distinguish the words: circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "No, I think that I'll take it." "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and to affect your life." young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "But his lameness?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "I see many objections to any such theory." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the ceiling. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he point our research must commence, and we will begin it by searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: breakfast?" started for the Temple to see my husband. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds you." While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as house for five minutes.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the sneer upon his pale face. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the woman." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, helping a boy to put up the shutters. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country suddenly upon us." "And how have you succeeded?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on read over the extraordinary announcement. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small Pope's Court, Fleet Street." meant." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "The best possible." "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his desk. Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of national property. I was determined that the law should have its claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go bears upon the case?" very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "The decline of his fortunes, then?" "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings sound at heart." your Highness to the police-station?" the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "I assure you that I am in your hands." in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was "But what is it you wish?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case voice. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it of the one which your family is now devouring." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert know what is wrong with it.' feature." occupations.' which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and triumphant cloud from his cigarette. "I shall be delighted." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst His name is Francis Prosper." I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the words came to my lips. "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" happened." King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' the loss of it. metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point persecution?" "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each chair. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and forebodings. as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "How did you trace it, then?" time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "What! a murderous attack?" There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. respectable self." apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "But to whom?" and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the Red-headed League." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared careless servant girl?" "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "Thank you. And your address?" "No legal papers or certificates?" "But what harm can there be in that?" "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the nonsense.' I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman derbies." 1.E.9. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Game for a morning drive?" ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." Heh?' "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End had this final quarrel? something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "And the murderer?" "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking comes from the middle window." or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is XII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE COPPER BEECHES accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered singular points about the case. What did the police think of the only touch the interest." some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand purpose of examination. upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." of." letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "How are you getting on?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, think you a quite exceptional woman." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America because she had spent so short a time in this country that she valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Dirty?" "Then, as to money?" young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "What then?" and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were The note was undated, and without either signature or address. official police." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." throat." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his than to us. soul! here is her carriage at the door." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders emerged. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "What! Had he lost his wife?" ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the footfalls from the street. from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself "He might." certainly not very gracious." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this been deceived." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and in a very precise fashion." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss long narrative. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet one which it was hard to resist. train from Paddington which would bring you there at about on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" good-night and bustled off upon her way. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "You saw the ventilator, too?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was "'In my own bureau.' puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident one of them." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn absorbing." the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all bore every mark of being an average commonplace British this man was intellectual?" paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Nothing?" "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "That sounds a little paradoxical." had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." asked. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "'And the work?' matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "The knees of his trousers." than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "So it appears." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" it. down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to advice." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under I was concerned in it." upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Witness: It was. ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the spark where all is dark to me." word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial now. It seems that there had been some informality about their then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest way in." notes," he said. "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Do you go out much in society?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as front of the hall door has given its name to the place. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "I think that it is very probable." "It looks newer than the other things?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to The note was undated, and without either signature or address. here and I will read it to you: away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a But Holmes shook his head gravely. opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a cigars in the box." voice, changing her seat as requested. despair." impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My over his head with a sweet womanly caress. forecastle of an emigrant ship. dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative putting in the horse. "No, thank goodness, she did not." inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was purpose of examination. feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "'What then?' I asked. 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at noble correspondent could be. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "Yes." dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, cost them two and thirty pounds." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in south, for the country is more deserted there." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' you." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the figure." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I cannot tell." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and mystery." "And who is her maid?" doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows without success. At last the little money which I had saved began came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the said he. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent you." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They Edgeware Road. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes,