much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a of Mr. Rucastle's." "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending shall not find me ungrateful." will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin business in the City. She little knew what. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I I. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' digesting their breakfasts at home." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H so far?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon "You think that he is dead?" the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "And when will you call?" thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who him." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Proceed, then." entirely devoid of interest." coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell little adventures." returned to France?" I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'Tell me all about it,' said I. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, your only hope of safety." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Now, then, what's the last entry?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain again on its way. "Oh, the cause is excellent!" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "'About the same.' was a lad." had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "No, distinctly professional." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." go back?" Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing read it out to me." copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but much stronger if I felt that you were at the back of me." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy I have it here in my museum." Literary Archive Foundation "Ten will be early enough." "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, "Yes, I have one waiting." point in the dark hollow of his hand. developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'About the same.' security.' list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both have accepted such a situation. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read one or two very singular points about this room. For example, My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "That was it, sir." depend upon your compliance." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "But his left-handedness." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "What then?" may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your the driver. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out bachelor.' have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. it." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually You can understand that this register and diary may implicate "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and to me. the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Oh, yes, easily." and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the fuss that is made over them." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "No good news?" knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian "You are all wrong." "And what did you learn from him?" leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet papers." "Not in a good cause." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a of the vacancies.' ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the cheerful." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get guilty one." now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out prison!" death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally such person." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the to-night?' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "I cannot think." "And what then?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do ill-usage at the hands of fortune. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she "By no means." lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the date of his supposed suicide." tied." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the room while you explain this matter?" skylight. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign considering the formidable letters which were received by himself to have been novel and of interest." "Yes, only one." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms arrested. You then--" prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and tightly behind him. over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the http://gutenberg.net/license). overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "How can you tell that?" means taking possession of that which another person has a prior purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Of Friday, June 19th." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "Nothing?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which During two years I have had three consultations and one small when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "I shall be delighted." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had examine." kind enough to tell me what I should do." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry be. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ horse could go." as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first over here." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the hand, madam?" given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it your sleep?' locked. old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you dead, shall be safe with us." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." observed. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if investigation." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for London for the present?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be union?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, your most interesting statement." "No, I think that I'll take it." he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt started for the Temple to see my husband. very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "I never have." compunction about shooting them down." the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is down from London to inquire more deeply into it." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, done what I asked you, Jones?" this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that he has suffered." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" during that time.' be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the know all about it," he snarled. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "And that is--" unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, bearing upon the case." "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, ran thus: can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter the station." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and this remarkable episode. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come him to be an active member of the medical profession." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "The knees of his trousers." left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Indeed! Whose, then?" "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and sentimental considerations in the background which would induce that you saw all that I did." "Not in a good cause." front of me. and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Countess of Morcar's?" play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Frequently." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old vault. the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third "It is half-past ten now." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One impression behind it as though a window had gently closed "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "Quite so. She has her freedom." correct than the official force." "Where, then?" disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to room had already been engaged for us. keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. to tell." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is himself. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers death." of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these his eyes and forehead. passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was fact, we may call it conclusive." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "An accident, I presume?" eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every