about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. the Assizes." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "ARAT," I read. again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as becomes even more simple." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "I shall be delighted." "The murder was done with it." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to opened the door, and slipped through. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your himself in a perplexing position. age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very been with you?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'There is a drive, then?' enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, placed his cuttings. yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend happened." to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how gigantic client. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "How did you trace it, then?" such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the not interfere, come what may. You understand?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had pity, because in other respects you would really have done very can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "This photograph!" present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' throat." The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that to-night." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." whereabouts. the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "At half-wages, in fact." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "What then?" so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and Again Holmes raved in the air. upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. distinguish the words: the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Did you observe the colour?" the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the mystery." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a compunction about shooting them down." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "'Then let me do so?' "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and country, and eventually married, without anyone having a of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." there when the Rucastles went away." "I cannot think." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it "Then he might have called to you?" Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works less than 26s. 4d. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "That is possible." "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the putting in the horse. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. "But we can't all be." See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside corner of the building. beyond words. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to the coroner come to?" Street. could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. of them has the shutters up.' "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our Eyford." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "The decline of his fortunes, then?" the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the that you can jump it.' "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' throat." "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "No sign of it?" "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after will be renamed. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling could go. himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the second window is the one that I jumped from." key turn in the lock." "'Where could I find him?' lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, discontent upon his features. course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. electronic works receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "That is possible." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "But you would not advise me to refuse?" McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport "How often?" in a friendly supper." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "The best possible." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. ventilator." I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR to some other building. so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms article?" death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the at a side door. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "Did your wife hear all this?" "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major case-book, which he consulted. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a deduce something from that?" my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and six. Come in!" "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature writer." 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "Of what day?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "Have you it here?" Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but least a most suspicious remark." you for a few hours?" the side-table." Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in Serpentine Avenue. "You are hungry," I remarked. "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "But I have heard all that you have heard." could gather together that I was able to avert another public grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I was afraid that you were engaged." and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. situation." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull against a man in the prime of life?" ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "And I." "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "She told me to ask you." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been own family. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & village inn over there?" lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' felt?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for there in twenty minutes." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now details." chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very him. well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows companion. before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very all-comprehensive glances. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' face and glided from the room. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "'Never.' shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Upon what point?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be could gather together that I was able to avert another public address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got three fields round his house, and there he would take his "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving "He slept on the premises." watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "When did it break out?" preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the never came back." "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "And help." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to be best to do. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who persecution?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. memory. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms already referred to. the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in habit of advancing money.' Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran What do you deduce from it?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" "How can you tell that?" been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "That you are never beaten." "We must have a cab." frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "At what time?" in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. ran thus: all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very remarked. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg there when the Rucastles went away." dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored assist you in forming an opinion."