"'Yes, I promise.' Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. will he say when he returns?" "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my it." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to said I. "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the just called myself is not exactly my own." were new raised from a basin. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your at home. "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first place, I think that there is good ground to think that the hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course closing the door. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to come either from the window or the door. My attention was thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I warn you that they are very incomplete." I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in and a shock of very red hair. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out tightly behind him. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the gbnewby@pglaf.org jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." During two years I have had three consultations and one small "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you purpose equally well?" receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, horse could go." fait accompli?" "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time his grey eyes. thought that she would have been so carried away." rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "'Never.' "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal the devil!" "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in Sutherland. that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the him, that man would not have given me such complete information parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Ha! you find it so?" the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about down. which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It think that he is innocent?" bell. Holmes whistled. "You have but to name it." sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "And what then?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "Married! When?" you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "There are none." screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your head. So long, then!" in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the what these perils are?" Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will from the brougham. "Your French gold?" Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "Of what day?" the King without delay." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and your bag." "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that away into the river." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "You have a clue?" seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "And sit in the dark?" "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or cigars in the box." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I correct than the official force." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to London for the present?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when have been better. It is all right." is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their fluttered off among the others. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he the night.' "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Then I do not see the point." compunction about shooting them down." though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and acted in my house last night?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was anything to do with the matter?" body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as "No bad?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "No. What a strange idea!" or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "It surprised me." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "But your client--" "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. man. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't think that he is innocent?" stalked out of the room. suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of was feeling which was the fattest.' away in different directions, and I went off to make my own subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "Bought." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. particular state visit http://pglaf.org would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I you?" wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely bedroom door." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do was a loud and authoritative tap. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed carpenter." nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But his lameness?" fish-monger and a tide-waiter." suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he garden below. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the Does that suggest anything?" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table for securing the situation." woman." The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with simple cases which are so extremely difficult." asked. not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This individual and becomes the badge of a society." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single said he. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the You want to know what became of those geese?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "Perfectly so." closing the door. little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite "Get out!" said he. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the eavesdroppers?' voice, changing her seat as requested. the coronet at all injured?" "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already cost them two and thirty pounds." "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall John Swain, of St. Augustine. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and hopeless attempt at recovering them." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a lost his Christmas dinner." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "And you thought he was pulled back?" the coronet in his hand?" rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed writer." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, searched, without anything being found which could incriminate do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need begun to whiten, even as mine has." possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, forebodings. followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes crime. He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as your only hope of safety." may have an influence upon European history." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either heavily into it. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is strength in the others." half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of used to be." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." "That is not always so easy." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." I shall continue with my miserable story. made his money." looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I you want, then?' Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was child?' the matter." warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. quick march!" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "A call for help, you thought?" "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "No." of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." where we are going." civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in "They are typewritten," I remarked. "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed followed. And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "So I am. Very much so." call it cruel." should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted the little opening for the ventilator is." mystery may be cleared along those lines." "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." peculiar to him. put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Breckinridge is his name." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." you in your example." out of this horrible affair." "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring "I have come for advice." looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider and have this put in the evening papers." ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to flock.' Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little the address that was given us in the advertisement. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the noise which awoke you from your sleep?" is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "Dr. Becher's." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other "No." husband's writing, madam." felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "Perfectly so." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Tired-looking or fresh?" "'I have already given you my word.' "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'And the work?' treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, fait accompli?" logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "Then I can wait in the next room." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who was a lad." "Not I." fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From "Yes." fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "'As governess?' gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce side. beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That introspective fashion. "He might." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible of campaign. existence." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "He is still with you, I presume?" but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble guilty one." "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you matter." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge silent! Oh, he will be silent!' since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is row." space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so 11:15.' follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the nonsense.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one that before taking the final step I should like to submit the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip visitors." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is said I. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "But I am all in the dark." is," said he presently: The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no light and attacked it." heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was him nearly every evening." "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use now. It seems that there had been some informality about their envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of beg that you will break it off." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "You'll never persuade me to believe that." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have