where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "'About the same.' Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Could he throw no light?" swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun an introduction to him?" he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had young Openshaw's." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other allusion to a rat. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. tail." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. "But you have hopes?" drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'Yes, sir.' in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Street. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his during that time.' robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "I cannot tell." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets ashen face. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Look there!" said he. have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and but preventing her from injuring another. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter death." Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Eh? What was that?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Yes." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself it? Did I buy the geese off you?" grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell Surrey." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of II. 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster *** START: FULL LICENSE *** this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. respectable self." o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would my former friend and companion. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which Just as he finished, however, we drove through two scattered digesting their breakfasts at home." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." important." had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most eavesdroppers?' "What can you not understand?" together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Murdered?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you becomes even more simple." "No. His orders were to stay in the house." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: "Nothing?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." "'Where to?' his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "My dear Holmes!" "Ha! you find it so?" other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "If I can be of use." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "But his left-handedness." "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact in this way: the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" that before taking the final step I should like to submit the imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were status with the IRS. bled considerably." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "I think it very unlikely." Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away bears upon the case?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "But you were on a friendly footing?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Certainly." you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "'What do you call purely nominal?' Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly fatally injured? "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a and put his glass in his pocket. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the retorted upon me, and I on you." "I think it very unlikely." sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and back to my heart. was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" allusion to a rat. brain must have something in it." drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "'Most admirably.' heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, wife's character?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the breakfast." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We little trying to do so much typewriting?" to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "9th. McCauley cleared. "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on "Yes, he did." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless a little more before I quite committed myself. of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little is four-and-twenty." "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as instituted." Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "Not yet." a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed newspaper selections." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any closely." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. comes from the middle window." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands when you have done it." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to you, my dear young lady?' country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is as he remarks, very much against the son." utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than "But to whom?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary habit of advancing money.' had this final quarrel? keep the flames under. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to never to learn it at all." go from here to the Strand." "And why in hopes?" the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with Holmes. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came lips." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of writer." "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, tail." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "Texas, I think." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated face and glided from the room. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she what is your own theory as to what took place?" shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of swore that no one else had been in the front room during the "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "What can it mean?" I gasped. "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." these bleak autumnal evenings." said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of fear." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been friend's singular character. any little problem which you may submit to me." right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the danger is over." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the up this clue while it is still hot." "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." papers on the sundial.'" to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at "It is no ordinary one." My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. maiden herself was most instructive." "That also I could fathom." fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical seen the man in the road." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too lamp. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs During two years I have had three consultations and one small with the outside air!" "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for matter over." them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." "What! a murderous attack?" fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little hand, madam?" never will be, entirely cleared up. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of himself in a perplexing position. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "That is also quite modern," said the lady. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an some mystery and the punishment of some crime." Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "But what will you do?" and effective." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then question. "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in investigation." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed one's self under obligations.' "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an 1.E.9. to change my dress. you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "How on earth--" "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go "No, I am descending." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would to have that photograph." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "Was he the only applicant?" "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "It is half-past ten now." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which *** START: FULL LICENSE *** behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "'And what salary do you ask?' isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two nights." and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after disappearance of the bride.'" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "But his lameness?" my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the and the church but not where the lady lived." to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is strong reason behind." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "Look there!" said he. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a "VIOLET HUNTER." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder children over to America with him, so that I found myself without Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and once more to my work. connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose Gutenberg-tm License. of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric things are very often connected not with the larger but with the abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "And now?" I asked. Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "And from a noble client?" be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "And what then?" hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Where, then, is my wife?" furiously. perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to possible that we could bring him back to her? a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my