day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself DAMAGE. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. national property. I was determined that the law should have its that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over and files of the old papers, following the future career of every matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a closely." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Countess of Morcar's?" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is down. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story heavily into it. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which events than those which have happened in my own family." my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for were wasted." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and "Yes, only one." "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "Very. But will he see it?" "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story desk. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Not in the least." leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham papers must be those that are destroyed.' followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I once more. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this of a light. and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "Certainly." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable a suggestive one." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his test if we have an answer to our advertisement." which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main spare." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "She walked into the breakfast-room." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." someone who had been in Australia." McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is be sorry for having acted so harshly." "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "She showed me, as I told you she would." the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and What do you deduce from it?" is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "An accident, I presume?" Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She The events in question occurred in the early days of my the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was towards the blaze. way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, you give your casting vote to?" them, and came down just as you departed. lost his Christmas dinner." 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "I have seen the police." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips away to you." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. 11:15.' lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood that it is quite clear that there must be more than one of them. "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "That was it, sir." reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered through." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before quickly through a disagreeable task. when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the again on its way. "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "Where, then?" could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the appeal." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away and put his glass in his pocket. you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I ran thus: problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "I will get her to show me." "You have compromised yourself seriously." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "And the murderer?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "That is possible." take the flies, but not before." also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and "How many? I don't know." Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Yes, certainly." "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of "The best possible." of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came hair?' charge against him will break down." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so get the tickets." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. seven miles from Eyford Station.' in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "To ruin me." her also." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man answer." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, over with notes and figures. fattened it expressly for you.' "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "I think it very unlikely." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out my room." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on "Yes, sir." bill, which interests me deeply." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "My dear Holmes!" with some details as to your case." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Has he come with you to-night?" "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if official police." deduce something from that?" sit on the left-hand side of the driver." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "No. What a strange idea!" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand Clair, of Lee." seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am down from London to inquire more deeply into it." his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he at a side door. went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, with some details as to your case." "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss your Highness to the police-station?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact was feeling which was the fattest.' slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "And for present expenses?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "And your mother is alive?" a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black matters immensely." "Then I shall certainly come." are, and they are waiting for us." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "Dirty?" whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly bill, which interests me deeply." to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "He is still with you, I presume?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." a monotonous occupation." by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and business." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "'Very good.' typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black chair. son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to awkward doing business with an alias." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when name is different." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and most important business. It is probable that he will be away all so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass look upon these things in a different way." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." bird of prey. "I should wish to." emerged. to go into your room and bar your shutters?" stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to matter." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "Your presence might be invaluable." "Where, then?" "Nothing." low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master his fortune, and I went back to pa. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I answered that I had not. for its centre. impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend too. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. galvanised. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "You are all wrong." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret His smile broadened. I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. to have been novel and of interest." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I "What I expected to see." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The me. You must get home instantly and act." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "And I to find an enemy." "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' digesting their breakfasts at home." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Dr. Becher's." "Perhaps we may make them less so." he bowed and left the room without another word. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I is entirely a question of barometric pressure." fire. You quite follow me?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and as yours." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her "It is to him that this trophy belongs." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "It is very clear." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the characteristics, but those are the more obvious." one or two very singular points about this room. For example, Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "The Cedars?" surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "It is no ordinary one." success. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them and capable of preserving a secret.' "'A dozen yards or so.' "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the indeed which he could not unravel. a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "And leave your case unfinished?" VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous call you and give you the chance." "Quite so. She has her freedom." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Pray do so." jewels which you have stolen?' rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium