you." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they woman who has had her own way to make in the world. will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "And now?" He raised his hand. which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. how narrow had been my escape. "Only as much as we can deduce." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips placed his cuttings. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "I shall be delighted." value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "'And what salary do you ask?' prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an bore every mark of being an average commonplace British I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of "Two days later this same performance was gone through under window when the police appeared." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the the so-precious time, but come!' The note was undated, and without either signature or address. cigars in their mouths. in darkness. arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "It came here." dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, taking in every detail of the apartment. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There that you can jump it.' any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, man. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become fumes of the drug, and looking about for the manager. As I passed "Stoke Moran?" said he. some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the she might be summoned. later, upon the night of May 2nd." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem direction." "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable drawing your inferences." "'Entirely.' scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few photograph?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "What, then?" "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in other lovers by making love himself." and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "Of what?" vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I remarked. the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we matter over." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "And did you observe any change in her then?" other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to shaken than I had ever seen him. "Then what has happened to him?" as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "How many? I don't know." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous matter." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin of this gang." given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond for the market.' I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally depend upon your compliance." "That's no good." that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke and a shock of very red hair. deduce something from that?" alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will is now desirous of getting those letters back." "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their you." He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered exactly what you advise." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he McCarthy's innocence. "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" "It must be recovered." "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the 'please.'" slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "I cannot say that I have." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "I say it is." how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the what these perils are?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "And leave your case unfinished?" "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. photograph?" stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the "Nothing." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a new acquaintance to Baker Street. "May I see it?" "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. trying to your nerves." butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "Eh? What was that?" "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about ventilator." people don't know." "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get photograph?" the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, that before taking the final step I should like to submit the were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the name is different." without a word or a look. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "We have tried and failed." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when Pope's Court. Arthur Conan Doyle "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "The gentleman I describe." where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in copied or distributed: poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical views." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to new duties?' in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' your equipment. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a tightly behind him. Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." written, and locked the door of the office after me. case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "And why?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. hair?' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the him." ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the the driver. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "What, then?" of your young ladies.' freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Not in the least." no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a south, for the country is more deserted there." "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner returning from some small jollification and was making his way families. Now for the facts. "What then?" thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him conclusions. colour had been driven from his face. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass chance." was a perfect sample of the class. did not hear it also.' "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, foresight and the moral retrogression?" things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works asked. probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." silent! Oh, he will be silent!' meanly of me." interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible "Entirely." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. unprofitable." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally them?" "'What do you call purely nominal?' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in to go into your room and bar your shutters?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "And your mother is alive?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "No, I am descending." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. room?" sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was danger is over." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps that he has suffered." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of III. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "That's no good." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Pray let us have it, for all that." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were better in every way that they should make their position a little horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." you understand?" wedding?" the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. your only hope of safety." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "And why?" disturbance in my wife." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the light and attacked it." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "We must sit without light. He would see it through the garden below. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my in darkness. whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of October 9, 1890. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental went to the Alpha were town bred." routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, that?' "But not more so than I to find you." the very morning of the wedding." of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the them, and came down just as you departed. "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel bare slabs of marble. lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. to a more successful conclusion." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. voice. until night should bring an explanation. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He that he has suffered." who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then presume?" what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from bearing upon the case." the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "A confidential servant?" that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "No." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and salesman. address. quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as over here." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, maid will bring up your coffee." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope conceal it?" three fields round his house, and there he would take his Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and