ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere signal between you and your father? married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "I cannot say that I have." this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of charged with?" "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "I cannot as yet see any connection." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project respectable self." into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of along the entire front of the house, with three long windows she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "To an English lawyer named Norton." very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, introspective fashion. "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out "I do." with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both an introduction to him?" already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind place of silver." at a side door. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. forebodings. submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and it need not interfere very much with one's other visitors." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three What do you deduce from it?" "An enemy?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the real bright, blazing, fiery red. Now, if you cared to apply, Mr. I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB British peeress.'" "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" some place of shelter and let the county police know what has benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." too. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll means taking possession of that which another person has a prior bird of prey. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though at a side door. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "I am still in the dark." by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried people don't know." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose and your relations to her." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to morning." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic speckled band?" that you wished to speak to me?' already been minutely examined." who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I respectable self." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "Witness: Nothing definite. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily himself to hunt down. for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it intrusion of other matters." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. passage and a tap at the door. his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for few hundred pounds.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as narrative." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the wedding?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "It is half-past ten now." which are rolled in Rotterdam." journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest over here." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted a good hundred miles off by now." "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. "Where to?" acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would electronic works places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "'Is 4 pounds a week.' his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "Look there!" said he. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much Clair, of Lee." was a perfect sample of the class. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "The rest you will leave in our hands." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, I have it here in my museum." "'And what salary do you ask?' little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon back to my heart. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt once more. formed some opinion?" always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but "Of Friday, June 19th." need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "How many? I don't know." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, observed. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. is worth.' whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had to miss it." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "So it appears." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a "Do you know him?" following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a other lovers by making love himself." Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Farm upon the left." Holmes rather sternly. of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, very morning of my second wedding." "'There is a drive, then?' at my remark. caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my yards of it?' outbreak?" key of the affair now." "What will you do, then?" down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. introspective fashion. it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "It is very clear." drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "No, finished." drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the date of his supposed suicide." her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and the coroner come to?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. ran thus: learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat yourselves in at night?" "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over writers could invent nothing more crude." provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one wanted for ourselves." "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "Quite so." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the and inquire as to the address." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little into the room. all?" "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of fattened it expressly for you.' There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he "Why serious?" "But I have heard all that you have heard." heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "And Miss Sutherland?" "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its his knees, staring into the fire. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up which we had just quitted. presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "How are you getting on?" corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes you give your casting vote to?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it telegram would bring me down to your help." Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and The summons was a brief and urgent one. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of room?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "That is it on the dressing-table." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is cigar and let me expound." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my that I can to serve you." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the "I promise," said Holmes. the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open any more." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "The best possible." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in memory. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. the very morning of the wedding." large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "Where did he live, then?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By my former friend and companion. garden below. places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk one of them." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out I approached. supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. look dissatisfied." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't again before evening." in him." but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly to tackle the facts." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "VIOLET HUNTER." "What! a murderous attack?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the The events in question occurred in the early days of my ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "You did not overhear what they said?" eat it." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "Then, as to money?" strong reason behind." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, your billet.' request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did knowledge of the world." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most pressing in one house as in another. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and The police have openly confessed that they can at present make right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "This photograph!" that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real awaited us upon the table. table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" to have been novel and of interest." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "Ample." him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this country, and eventually married, without anyone having a sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "And I." into the room. 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here "Absolutely none." "Stoke Moran?" said he. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It the one as in the other." whatever might befall. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. the nursery. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or what these perils are?" Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of had a long day." us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my seven miles from Eyford Station.' "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be "But you can know nothing of this?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would written, and locked the door of the office after me. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "And how did you verify them?" only touch the interest." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your persecution?" horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "The Coroner: What do you mean? the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases evidence," I remarked. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may discontent upon his features. with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?"