I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, My friend smiled. "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, of the vacancies.' me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. investigation." although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the 11:15.' chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with undoubtedly my uncle's." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out window when the police appeared." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that cup of tea. the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and telegram would bring me down to your help." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my experiences." transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "And I." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips "But how could you guess what the motive was?" clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question guilty one." another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now "'Never,' said I. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder chill to my heart. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in nonsense.' found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable four million human beings all jostling each other within the "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand "My own seal." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Very. But will he see it?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway any little problem which you may submit to me." empty. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable could go. While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "It is possible." which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how present strange and interesting features that it is no easy a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." singular points about the case. What did the police think of the "Where is it, then?" is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Precisely so. But how--" "No." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "Will you bet, then?" "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high ways including including checks, online payments and credit card was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "And how did you verify them?" appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "No, I think that I'll take it." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "No, I think that I'll take it." of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong his knees, staring into the fire. looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." tear off another piece?' "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental your room." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By who was a member of your goose club." have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." whether it answered to the description of any of their drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, very old mansion. "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "What! Had he lost his wife?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted he. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of "And Irene Adler?" gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door carried out of court." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute present." You want to know what became of those geese?" A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our woven round him. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by advice." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just held up the lantern and gazed about him. "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much in one or two places in England?' "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" at once, for I have only half an hour." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." bare slabs of marble. lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the the inner apartment." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and in your London, you will know that the office of the company is quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable "What is it, then--a fire?" recall any case within my experience which looked at the first laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Yes, he did." "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and put his glass in his pocket. round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were asked. "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "I saw her in conversation with her maid." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the a monotonous occupation." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, eat it." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I excitement. "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless know that the truth is known." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small deduce something from that?" supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "'I shall certainly be there.' diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'As governess?' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on weighed down with some great anxiety. towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "No, my brougham is waiting." when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Where is it, then?" and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his me upon any point which I do not make clear." the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It dear old homesteads?" problems help me to do so." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" quite distinctive." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice I nodded again. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled closely." work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend jewels which you have stolen?' "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked think that any burglar could have done. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little that you wished to speak to me?' 11:15.' "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the nursery. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "That you are never beaten." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "It is half-past ten now." anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature ceremony." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and she used." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the never came back." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, where Mr. Fordham shows you.' woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my suspect him." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and is worth.' a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his possible that we could bring him back to her? appeared upon the scene." death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' think that any burglar could have done. father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. stalked out of the room. lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "But his lameness?" there has been an enclosure here!" need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton not interfere, come what may. You understand?" state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, "And the murderer?" following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "You have a clue?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "Where, indeed?" with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle The note was undated, and without either signature or address. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "It certainly sounds feasible." colonel looking down at me. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "My dear Holmes!" father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found already referred to. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had himself in a perplexing position. St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project formed some opinion?" Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. to tell." not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end death." "'A dozen yards or so.' and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his key of the affair now." "It is half-past ten now." What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, "And when will you call?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "What do you make of that, Watson?" nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was presented more singular features than that which was associated should be so warm over such a trifle." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "You horrify me!" the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And the murderer?" ago." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of key of the affair now." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet "Murdered?" hard-headed British jury." "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of works. See paragraph 1.E below. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so made his money." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of his forehead." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life singular points about the case. What did the police think of the green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "He said too much." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "You have the photograph?" in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to flock.' confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already Holmes' thin, eager face. man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and better grown goose." which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an hereditary King of Bohemia." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at occupations.' battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," "'I shall certainly be there.' could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Lee, in the county of Kent." passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical had formerly been in part my own. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered highly," said Holmes. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the children over to America with him, so that I found myself without American. Then who could this American be, and why should he seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that "Ten will be early enough." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "You are certainly joking, Holmes." up this clue while it is still hot." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Not him." "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from "Yes, only one." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed green of the new foliage. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are read over the extraordinary announcement. brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the bird of prey. fat-encircled eyes. out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he of the one which your family is now devouring." glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon both be extremely obliged.' them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass standing smiling on the door-step. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might to Leatherhead. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural until night should bring an explanation. I took the paper from him and read as follows: in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it window when the police appeared." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "The vanishing of the lady." "My dear Holmes!"