beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just seven miles from Eyford Station.' said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger opened the door, and slipped through. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as was a lad." and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after happened." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Pray tell us what has happened to you." that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, good for you to do.' "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a "By no means." "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "What are they?" "By train from Waterloo." to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "It looks newer than the other things?" something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he recall any case within my experience which looked at the first rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "In which, sir?" have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Yes, all." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "How often?" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made "I think it very unlikely." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "No sign of it?" "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last here." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "10th. John Swain cleared. the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "No sign of it?" But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those once more on the important position which you have been fortunate your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to Sholtos." know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast do.' "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "That is unusual in a young girl." opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If questionable one." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for fuss that is made over them." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the "Could he throw no light?" "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of "This concluded the examination of the witness." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was who was a member of your goose club." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our fashion which was peculiar to him. insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with "How are you getting on?" any more." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "What then?" the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said thought that she would have been so carried away." dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so taking in every detail of the apartment. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the "It certainly sounds feasible." into the bag, and made for the door. thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without lost his Christmas dinner." sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Again Holmes raved in the air. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. and I shall be with you presently." you want, then?' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." landau when a cab came through the street. The driver looked help us in this matter." "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' Countess of Morcar's?" case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "Yes?" a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so http://gutenberg.net/license). charge against him will break down." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right morning." the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the that the gas is not laid on in his house?" loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in past. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "It's nothing of the kind." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "It is solved." hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" should be so warm over such a trifle." wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in Clair, of Lee." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "You heard nothing yourself last night?" may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "'What then?' I asked. room. it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back what these perils are?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My people in all walks of life. redistribution. Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "Yes, it would be as well." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very been able to understand it, in a very few words. her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more name is different." 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Come in!" said Holmes. It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical back into the street. permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "I came to find a friend." "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' you." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their you for a few hours?" with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps against a man in the prime of life?" stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "'Which dealer's?' "I would pay ten." weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what where Mr. Fordham shows you.' over here." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are on in his house." way in everything. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. sparkled upon his finger. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "He slept on the premises." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "'Ten to two.' tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Nothing." "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "But I have heard all that you have heard." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of newspaper selections." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle "He is still with you, I presume?" step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You question you as to those details which seem to me to be most prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to some water from a caraffe. "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "But how?" "The decline of his fortunes, then?" of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "Always." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I there is a decided draught." she to prove their authenticity?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Yes, but only for you and me." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "That is not always so easy." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "Yes, only one." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Leadenhall Street--and--" the stable lane now." "Ten will be early enough." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, appeal." sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "'Yes, sir.' "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and hurried by. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my be.' "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who down in his armchair and closing his eyes. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying man. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "None." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed indeed happy." "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to From what you have told me I think that it is possible that narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Her father is very rich?" mystery may be cleared along those lines." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "It is very clear." that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked you." know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and placed his cuttings. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in "Never to return." married her." business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. your troubles." happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "'Certainly not.' remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew more solid." "In what way?" asked Holmes. "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. "You did not overhear what they said?" "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not bears upon the case?" course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." business in the City. She little knew what. the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his into the room. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, business came to an end." into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I whatever might befall. done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could stepfather?" compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and made his money." "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "Yes, they were peculiar boots." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "But how?" to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just amused." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off taking in every detail of the apartment. "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have stepfather?" tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel arrested. You then--" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing tell them apart.' feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after and it need not interfere very much with one's other pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to more terrible than the truth. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was that "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what showing my impatience. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "My photograph." "Yes, the wine-cellar." "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." I nodded again. winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features death." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, business matters.' sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few in your London, you will know that the office of the company is would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked again before evening." are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg have accepted such a situation. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that generous with you in money matters.' swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" again before evening." at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a with you alone."