colonel looking down at me. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is pierced for earrings?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock and laid it on the table. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "Thank you. Pray proceed." chance." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" outside. cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. bears upon the case?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the forecastle of an emigrant ship. "Very truly yours, it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said must be when I saw the door open.' to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. forecastle of an emigrant ship. "I was sure that I might rely on you." "How did he come?" resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards Pope's Court, Fleet Street." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil charged with?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may derbies." the driver. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a clang of the bell. of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I and looked back. in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings "I do." make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "One of the highest in England." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies use an arc-and-compass breastpin." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It was too far for me to go, weak and ill as I was. I determined believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features sentimental considerations in the background which would induce The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down fashion which was peculiar to him. that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the to some other building. "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up there has been an enclosure here!" his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official this as likely?" and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and to-night?" I asked. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But been." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. answered with a sidelong glance. or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send character. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt points to suicide?" "I was also aware of that," murmured Holmes, settling himself "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "Quite so." down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." himself to hunt down. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "No, finished." "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, ashen face. a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an I approached. "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having infinite languor in his face. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, what I may call a really hard day's work." it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said pictures, libraries, or plate. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying foot. little adventures." "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a letters?" to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you carriage. It was a chestnut." half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and "No, my brougham is waiting." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself national property. I was determined that the law should have its If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in "Won't it ring?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Whose house is it?" blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so have established a very serious case against the son of the and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "It looks newer than the other things?" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment and capable of preserving a secret.' mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of you, my dear young lady?' silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of "And now?" He raised his hand. will he say when he returns?" "It looks newer than the other things?" good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. who was a member of your goose club." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was hopeless attempt at recovering them." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where and the whole place is in a blaze." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very long narrative. I. "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special you." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to hopeless attempt at recovering them." It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "And why?" questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair Farm upon the left." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" "Then how many are there?" "Did he not advertise?" "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal of." with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady together. myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is most interesting one." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and Doctor, of the paper and the date." appointment with me for six o'clock?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if the warnings." my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Edgeware Road. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. "I should be immensely obliged to you." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry anything to a woman, for she would have her way." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together will find little credit to be gained out of this case." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I the one as in the other." questioning and rather startled gaze. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, one's self under obligations.' in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six lost his Christmas dinner." them present such singular features as the strange train of following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the photograph a cabinet?" was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is think that any burglar could have done. "But it has twice been burgled." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "No, I think that I'll take it." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to light and attacked it." "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "How can you tell that?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "Indeed! Whose, then?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain "But she could not love him." went to the Alpha were town bred." knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he points to suicide?" matters immensely." "'Very good.' His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Again Holmes raved in the air. like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do Lee, in the county of Kent." return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they charged with?" leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that indiscretion." it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "In San Francisco, a year ago." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and in the dead of the night?' "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Was there a secret marriage?" have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it trifles." four million human beings all jostling each other within the coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to really the only notable feature about the thing." could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence strength of mind to control. was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' have accepted such a situation. "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. and effective." money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the again." which our visitor detailed to us. behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your during which he might have communicated with his friend the before, for it was considerably after midnight. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in second window is the one that I jumped from." "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB closely." is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the "Yes, there are nearly always some there." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "She showed me, as I told you she would." on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates peculiar to him. Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told at my own good fortune. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. prove to be little relation between the different incidents of Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you "I never have." have not had my rubber." liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal singular points about the case. What did the police think of the conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you threw himself down with his face to the pillow. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' presented which may be striking and bizarre without being I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "'What then?' I asked. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Pray tell us what has happened to you." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of that he has suffered." (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my infinite languor in his face. was keenly on my guard against him. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I will do it." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just even of instruction." tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced hereditary King of Bohemia." line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took sooner or later she must fall a victim. "She showed me, as I told you she would." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Then how many are there?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. too. my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in that he has suffered." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that pictures, libraries, or plate. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton "My private note-paper." prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the the nursery. down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't you came in." adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that observed. "Yes." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. green of the new foliage. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "What office?" "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Holmes, the busybody!" "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy