and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the that threaten you." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, as he remarks, very much against the son." "Then I shall certainly come." my room." where we are going." do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several "The gentleman I describe." writer." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. way: "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time "You think that he is dead?" sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, "But what will you do?" London for the present?" thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Yes, he did." It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what of them has the shutters up.' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on o'clock is it?" my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow obstinate." which our visitor detailed to us. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "Yes, certainly." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from during that time.' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Never." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "What shall I do?" "To an English lawyer named Norton." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "The rest you will leave in our hands." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very Arthur Conan Doyle step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting the stones. so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still Holmes' thin, eager face. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one "But you have hopes?" Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive unprofitable." "Yes, it would be as well." There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it correct than the official force." Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some was keenly on my guard against him. "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a feature." course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "Where did you address your letters, then?" Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I as noiselessly as she had come. "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a mystery!" It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my started for the Temple to see my husband. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that note?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his showing my impatience. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" nothing of it?" "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in just called myself is not exactly my own." "Tired-looking or fresh?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "But of what society?" Lee, in the county of Kent." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who system of imprisonment?" "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' "'I have already given you my word.' rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a of this gang." mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as some terrible trap for her." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a http://www.gutenberg.net its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary 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 used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so shaken than I had ever seen him. formed some opinion?" before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa new acquaintance to Baker Street. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: with you alone." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." so far?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the A man entered who could hardly have been less than six feet six mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country my special province." "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from that I may have something better before very many minutes are chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some beg that you will break it off." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the and the church but not where the lady lived." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very "Can I be of assistance?" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "No sign of it?" bonnet, and went out." "What of the rat, then?" as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, entirely lost his self-respect." weigh very heavily upon my conscience." see a sister of mine apply for." business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other that before taking the final step I should like to submit the twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could heavily into it. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Deserted you?" "Can I be of assistance?" for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for families. Now for the facts. during which he might have communicated with his friend the felt the room to be a little close.' "In answer to an advertisement." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Precisely so. But how--" Where does the thing come from?' mysterious business." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "And when will you call?" because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic in his power. cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the against a man in the prime of life?" heavily into it. on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a article?" "But you have hopes?" loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "She will not sell." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving point our research must commence, and we will begin it by address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's unprecedented a position." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger ceremony." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King upon the shelf for the interim." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "We must have a cab." depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "I cannot say that I have." of Mr. Rucastle's." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Will you bet, then?" have had none more fantastic than this." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a shoulder. prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached 11:15.' "None." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. envelope. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "The doctor?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a society." parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City II. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "'What do you call purely nominal?' "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was away in different directions, and I went off to make my own Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk maiden herself was most instructive." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you up this clue while it is still hot." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in and laid it on the table. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "Frequently." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, evidence," I remarked. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon fear." "There are none." glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent "And how in the world did you find them?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" "I have solved it." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added fled together." child?' *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** be.' garden below. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'Where could I find him?' mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my room had already been engaged for us. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "No, I am descending." "Yes." my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I as he folded up the epistle. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." upon a handsome competence. lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Ah, but I was recommended to you." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from call for it in person on Monday morning.' delighted to hear it," he said. "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low persecution?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "And for present expenses?" "We must have a cab." submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "And I to find an enemy." from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of least a most suspicious remark." stepfather?" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "And how in the world did you find them?" in a friendly supper." centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. "Was your sister dressed?" He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'Stolen!' he cried. and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I whether it answered to the description of any of their into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from awaited us upon the table. If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling I shall communicate with you." appeared upon the scene." 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to "I beg pardon." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "What can it mean?" I gasped. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "Which are?" "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows forehead. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and wedding?" was a loud and authoritative tap. VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND open." partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City over part of the map. "What do you read?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "Never to return." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties "Can I be of assistance?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "And you can do nothing until then?" stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. France he was very annoyed at your having gone to the ball." at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography tear off another piece?' ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary you." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now even of instruction." sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with me. You must get home instantly and act." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the villagers almost as much as their master. from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "Where, then?" a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Eyford." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, unprecedented a position." - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." waste of energy." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" there were one or two details which were new to me. But the even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no fatally injured? "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "Thank you. And your address?" sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep