facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." himself to tell his story. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with words came to my lips. fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "It certainly sounds feasible." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in distinguish the words: agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to persecution?" luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "And how have you succeeded?" fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old anything to do with the matter?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a excitement. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like cost them two and thirty pounds." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Which are?" pity, because in other respects you would really have done very always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "Because he was handy and would come cheap." I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. strange features which were associated with the two crimes which must compliment you." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so present." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. "Precisely." said I. that he has suffered." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Then how many are there?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the mystery!" jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I with some details as to your case." however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in "I was sure that I might rely on you." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and them?" impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the bell. Holmes whistled. keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and been able to understand it, in a very few words. agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your wedding?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in himself to tell his story. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these papers diligently of late, have you not?" unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled *** START: FULL LICENSE *** without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his stalked out of the room. first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and you came in." "But your client--" Henry Baker is a member." called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "A call for help, you thought?" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of one which it was hard to resist. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for young Openshaw's." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to manager. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable absorbing." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose are windows in it, of course?" "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. "By no means." late." "Not social, then?" Surrey." bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray most interesting one." brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping hereditary King of Bohemia." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Were they all fastened this morning?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "No, I am descending." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a could gather together that I was able to avert another public success. was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." come either from the window or the door. My attention was it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the morning and make my own way in the world.' misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, putting in the horse. out." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to at home. It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact was feeling which was the fattest.' of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Well?" sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "'Tell me all about it,' said I. an introduction to him?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the gentleman's clothes. Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you stepfather?" not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned opened the door, and slipped through. lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by was shining brightly. roused himself from his reverie. whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both will not take me long to tell. bird I ate is country bred." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the Chief Executive and Director In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly lectures into a series of tales." said I. with you alone." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon Dr. Gregory B. Newby of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "'Quite sure, dad.' interested in these little problems, and since you are good centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel "No." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can fuss that is made over them." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable the best of training." Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss "But the mystery?" jewels which you have stolen?' everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I written, and locked the door of the office after me. him, that man would not have given me such complete information "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most me. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "A thing like a cleaver," said he. me where it went to?" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see lumber-room." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "I have come for advice." very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. I am not easy in my mind about them." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square possible that we could bring him back to her? reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you "What, then?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat round with crates and massive boxes. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Oh, the cause is excellent!" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A investigation." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the said he. used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his Project Gutenberg-tm works. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "How on earth--" pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Awake, Watson?" he asked. there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been hurried by. and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. absorbing." "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What posted to-day." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began stalked out of the room. despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to his eyes and forehead. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "I fear not." reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "9th. McCauley cleared. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. too. his wife has ceased to love him." did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, pictures, libraries, or plate. It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the approach us with offers to donate. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is perplexity from it to my illustrious client. is," said he presently: far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification his knees, staring into the fire. "And that is--" See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been you." and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, someone who had been in Australia." already been minutely examined." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of more solid." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as may never be exposed to such a temptation." Where does the thing come from?' desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each as the one I chose?' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with murdered man." there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one washing it down with a long draught of water. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I cannot as yet see any connection." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, already referred to. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his your bag." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I nonsense.' my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in the south-west, I see." seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, coroner's jury." "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the bed, and you in that chair." are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. has got out of gear. If you show us what is wrong we shall soon enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was tear off another piece?' absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid lamp in his hand. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my at once, for I have only half an hour." But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the which are rolled in Rotterdam." thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, goes." the child." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the the window, rose as we entered. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across some mystery and the punishment of some crime." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. of the one which your family is now devouring." must compliment you." was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "My dear Holmes!" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "What steps will you take?" I asked. lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "On the contrary, this is the right side." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round few hundred pounds.' no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when are, I think, all that we need." whole matter to your consideration." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "Nothing." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, Munro.' particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the thin legs towards the fire. "'It is locked up,' I answered.