because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler quickly through a disagreeable task. "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as about. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Why did you pick him?" may never be exposed to such a temptation." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." eat it." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. of campaign. "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "No legal papers or certificates?" cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his directly by questioning you." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "You'll never persuade me to believe that." think, you have already met." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in kindly on the shoulder. was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." emerged. the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you that I may have something better before very many minutes are to his chemical studies. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then from the brougham. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad success. grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no dear old homesteads?" been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Well, but China?" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better guilty parties." "9th. McCauley cleared. your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than John Swain, of St. Augustine. charge against him will break down." it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by along the entire front of the house, with three long windows could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "In heaven's name, what for?" Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which very old mansion. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him maiden herself was most instructive." himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. *** START: FULL LICENSE *** that I may have something better before very many minutes are "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "'Yes, it was gone.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our promised to bring home. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Here?" disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. of Mr. Rucastle's." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. read over the extraordinary announcement. "I see many objections to any such theory." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Yes." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the burst out into a roar of laughter. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I "Yes, the wine-cellar." mystery." leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I have solved it." "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "Really! You surprise me." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and "Yes, it would be as well." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an minor matters until to-morrow." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." present." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting "But how did you gain them?" business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Yes, there are nearly always some there." trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "It was an hour's good drive." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which populous neighbourhood." ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my chance." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried is a common subject for conversation. certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "Never to return." that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Texas, I think." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after hands. written, and locked the door of the office after me. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a "Breckinridge is his name." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which your co-operation." and files of the old papers, following the future career of every hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in became a certainty. about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you the dangers which encompass me." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the sit on the left-hand side of the driver." my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to derbies." Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Was the window open?" meanly of me." train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on in his hands." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "Thank you. Pray proceed." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look asked with his eyes open. plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be Street. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "Entirely." "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "You have compromised yourself seriously." I was concerned in it." at my remark. violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is little adventures." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our Dr. Gregory B. Newby drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend some terrible trap for her." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me hurried by. returned to France?" I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit people in all walks of life. which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to you?" friend's singular character. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between case-book, which he consulted. o'clock is it?" writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been then?" "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the and glanced through. our word." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Yes." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "A confidential servant?" "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I disappearance of these gems?" which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a this poor creature." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project little adventures." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." Sutherland?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my Chief Executive and Director say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father dates and names. "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical door?" chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has stepfather?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I It was close upon four before the door opened, and a the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet opened a pocket-book and took out a note. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "Oh, yes, easily." that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "And I to find an enemy." the room while you explain this matter?" danger is over." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Ample." Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his kindly on the shoulder. License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring depend upon your compliance." one else, I think." woman." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "Precisely." in darkness. burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "What are they?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away my little problems." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "'Ample.' perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little asked. Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." happened." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the could not have written that. It is the German who is so have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, himself to hunt down. is so. I know all about McCarthy." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah power." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "No. What a strange idea!" also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever as he folded up the epistle. one of them." shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door whether it answered to the description of any of their remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, do.' "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all investigation." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter events, Mr. Windibank!" What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of was lame." "Murdered?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of mystery." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Certainly, madam." at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really wall." for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." second." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of God! What an exposure! What can I do?" distance from the station, and there we found the young lady from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Then I can wait in the next room." there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "We must have a cab." be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to