Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 and wait." "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone congratulate you again." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and tell him that I know him to be innocent." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you conduct the inquiry." peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and Holmes' face clouded over. more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "'I shall certainly be there.' "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure have established a very serious case against the son of the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think begun to whiten, even as mine has." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to and glanced through. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Your French gold?" Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "'In my own bureau.' doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "In what way?" asked Holmes. problems help me to do so." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "You think that he is dead?" you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to constraint." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton his face. If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same four million human beings all jostling each other within the "But what will you do?" I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but whereabouts. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden allusion to a rat. "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now death." and capable of preserving a secret.' He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "If so, much may have happened between." my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Thank you. And your address?" branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. been." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while legal crime." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to ceremony." this unhappy family?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his do." "The gentleman I describe." told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco friend's singular character. Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me friend's singular character. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had be sorry for having acted so harshly." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "In heaven's name, what for?" the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was spark where all is dark to me." Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would has little to do with my story." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. "'Yes, sir.' smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Quite so. She has her freedom." Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "How many? I don't know." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord this truth that in these little records of our cases which you sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "No." "Why, what do you mean?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one indeed which he could not unravel. been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked that the gas is not laid on in his house?" our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My bell. Holmes whistled. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend III. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated "And leave your case unfinished?" we went to search for him, face downward in a little "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Yes, certainly." to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you I shall communicate with you." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I cannot think." He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in troubles have been weighing upon his mind. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "How often?" year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, forbidden door. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper "None." "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "Quite so." "You are hungry," I remarked. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the strength in the others." reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what "Yes, but only for you and me." "No legal papers or certificates?" a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I was it brought him the coronet? upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your business came to an end." course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "'Is purely nominal.' and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "You are hungry," I remarked. lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Thank you. And your address?" before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! the salesman. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden get the tickets." "You have but to name it." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Did you become engaged then?" one which it was hard to resist. I shall communicate with you." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many tapping his fingers upon the table. do.' iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." was it brought him the coronet? your own bird, so if you wish--" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, as yours." "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Yes." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "It was a confession," I ejaculated. that?' the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a note?" on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable perplexity from it to my illustrious client. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire vague figure huddled up in the darkness. with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was perplexity from it to my illustrious client. serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard been lifted and conveyed somewhere." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque works. See paragraph 1.E below. had this final quarrel? unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the few hundred pounds.' most important business. It is probable that he will be away all long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue get the tickets." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said hour." outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature During two years I have had three consultations and one small "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have voice, changing her seat as requested. married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was maid will bring up your coffee." her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite me upon any point which I do not make clear." and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is and effective." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "That's no good." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Then, as to money?" be best to do. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found chemical work which was so dear to him. the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "I see no marks." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the tragedy. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I will not take me long to tell. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Certainly, madam." are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for way: "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first would apply.' "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the window when the police appeared." 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "None." in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small 1.F.6. INDEMNITY - You agree to indemnify and hold the Foundation, the morning." take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had works. question. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these goes." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the morning and make my own way in the world.' me. You must get home instantly and act." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "I was mad--insane." which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty think that he is innocent?" tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, your only hope of safety." works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Really! You surprise me." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell flock.' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" character. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when to tackle the facts." slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an disappearance of these gems?" For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was a room. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "Will you bet, then?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check strong and stiff." notes," he said. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." once more. "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not fluttered off among the others. every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away with you?" 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived vanished into the darkness. of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the entirely devoid of interest." The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, there was no need for father to know." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm without a word or a look. nights." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Then I shall certainly come." acquaintance?" a monotonous occupation." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. this unhappy family?" there!' Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties."