"'Then let me do so?' prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Yes. He waved his hands." The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged unprofitable." room. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all point in the dark hollow of his hand. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "And how did you verify them?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about round with crates and massive boxes. it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in following enigmatical notices: young Openshaw's." all-comprehensive glances. unkempt, staring out at me. "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." vault. be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud in a very precise fashion." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "Stolen." fish-monger and a tide-waiter." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "Witness: Nothing definite. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "It was a confession," I ejaculated. electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." the bed, and you in that chair." Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. "And what did you learn from him?" was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that disappearance of the bride.'" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." electronic works and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "Always." one's self under obligations.' separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "'And the work?' smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. detective. "It surprised me." "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Arthur Conan Doyle Eyford at 11:15.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless my friend's incisive reasoning. offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on clang of the bell. souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a noble correspondent could be. office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second companion. that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Not I." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond even so self-evident a thing as that." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to hands. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared for securing the situation." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and entirely devoid of interest." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." desk. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. shall use the carriage to-night." client, rising. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'Where could I find him?' knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of away into the river." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the south, for the country is more deserted there." Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room was a loud and authoritative tap. Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "Tired-looking or fresh?" photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does long narrative. such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "You have it, sir, just as it happened." highly," said Holmes. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We leave you to your papers for a little." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been had this final quarrel? expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, night.' said he. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A most interesting one." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their Serpentine Avenue. possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." do.' Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "How can you tell that?" easy-going way." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded you." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past later, upon the night of May 2nd." Stoke Moran." once more for Briony Lodge. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his carried out of court." "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my helping a boy to put up the shutters. of Fenchurch Street." chill to my heart. yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, outside." suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "It came here." "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying During two years I have had three consultations and one small understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so something of him before." to-night?' simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "'I am sure if I had known--' thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "'Then let me do so?' revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I have a cab outside." "How many? I don't know." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Lee, in the county of Kent." ceremony." "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "On your arm?" Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a "You have but to name it." looking up at the numbers of the houses." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to License. You must require such a user to return or "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to very peculiar words of the dying woman?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might asked. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "Thank you. Pray proceed." dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely suggested at once that there must be a communication between the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. nothing with him." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a narrative." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, dates and names. closely." "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to village inn over there?" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the indeed which he could not unravel. silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "And on what day did he meet his death?" End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining points to suicide?" from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he putting in the horse. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "Of Friday, June 19th." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "And when will you call?" any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "On Monday." Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and "And how in the world did you find them?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a help us in this matter." "It is very kind of you." happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your for and were ordered to this address. "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks his face. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly amused." "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. new duties?' question you as to those details which seem to me to be most But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "Yes. He waved his hands." to surprise her." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Ah!" dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily closing the door. business in the City. She little knew what. "About a month then." of Mr. Rucastle's." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent "No." possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "But what is it you wish?" He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the gbnewby@pglaf.org silent! Oh, he will be silent!' It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, "'Entirely.' scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "And on what day did he meet his death?" business in the City. She little knew what. safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Where did he live, then?" and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "But I am all in the dark." sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it III. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. eavesdroppers?' chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "Yes, at the mines." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "No." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. roused himself from his reverie. interests were the same as his." after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Lestrade of Scotland Yard." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And room had already been engaged for us. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost The summons was a brief and urgent one. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they writing, and yet I know it well." Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here second." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate started for the Temple to see my husband. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee photograph a cabinet?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "But how will you look?" "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, trying to your nerves." seven miles from Eyford Station.' conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low peculiar to him. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "I know where it is." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical "The Cedars?" "Stoke Moran?" said he. was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before asked with his eyes open. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "It is solved." feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the off." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "I was certainly surprised to find you there." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. it." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "'No, I know no one in these parts.' your own bird, so if you wish--" in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, the driver. "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made