impression behind it as though a window had gently closed over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is But Holmes shook his head gravely. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as constraint." front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an who was a member of your goose club." "It was a confession," I ejaculated. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no morning." him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and at my own good fortune. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this the King without delay." before the coroner and the police-court." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then "But we can't all be." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "Yes. He waved his hands." Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." "And that is--" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "Yes, but only for you and me." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. must compliment you." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the my former friend and companion. conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "You horrify me." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back down. reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself conclusions. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the "Then he might have called to you?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the in the port of London." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "By no means." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS writers could invent nothing more crude." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and his grey eyes. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "A call for help, you thought?" "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of we went to search for him, face downward in a little o'clock is it?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project article?" yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' companion imperturbably. which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the Leadenhall Street--and--" turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Here?" A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and round with crates and massive boxes. and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right green of the new foliage. and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he awkward doing business with an alias." DAMAGE. obstinate." whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "What then?" Where does the thing come from?' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some awkward doing business with an alias." "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and shaken than I had ever seen him. noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Stolen, then." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom "What, then, did Peterson do?" you in yours." A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our that he will be back before evening." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the south-west, I see." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his me where it went to?" ourselves in the office." Pope's Court, Fleet Street." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "'What do you call purely nominal?' child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would ceremony." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. http://www.gutenberg.net "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very followed. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses carpenter." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my to tell." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the would apply.' "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he crime." "No good news?" "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public "On your arm?" him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right father's place of business?" disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "Married! When?" closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "You have it, sir, just as it happened." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Gutenberg-tm License. "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "It is very kind of you." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I a suggestive one." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately when your master had gone out." window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "I will not look." "When did she vanish, then?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up least a most suspicious remark." circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be read it out to me." "'In my own bureau.' who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" carriage. It was a chestnut." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I should like to see him very much." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the dangers which encompass me." the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "But your client--" look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. a good hundred miles off by now." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, will be renamed. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" bearing upon the case." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "I was afraid that you were engaged." authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble telegram would bring me down to your help." giving me time to thank him. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could "And is that all?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a upon an income of about 60 pounds." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and instincts rose up against that laugh. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the events than those which have happened in my own family." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, never will be, entirely cleared up. believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock the coronet in his hands?" advice." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "And how in the world did you find them?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "And from a noble client?" "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two future lives." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, had this final quarrel? woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the nothing with him." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "No." "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "My dear Holmes!" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "Stolen." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. six. Come in!" came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so crime. can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal DAMAGE. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, The events in question occurred in the early days of my Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his presented more singular features than that which was associated Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying weapon." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "Not in a good cause." acted in my house last night?" "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems everything which you would wish to know." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking instituted." "Nothing." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: "I cannot imagine." hardly wander." hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of You want to know what became of those geese?" "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "'Never,' said I. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry that before taking the final step I should like to submit the full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I of it with the greatest attention. Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" the one as in the other." How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to business." country, and eventually married, without anyone having a morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you was a loud and authoritative tap. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative I held the little printed slip to the light. home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the "My opinion is in no way altered." "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I unprofitable." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." with some details as to your case." four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but I leave." sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you highly," said Holmes. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an which our visitor detailed to us. them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new pressing in one house as in another. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that