her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue call it cruel." developed." him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at "She will not sell." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one me, and I could not think that his explanation of the himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." "If so, much may have happened between." "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of instincts rose up against that laugh. "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "Texas, I think." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and tassel actually lying upon the pillow. shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is photograph a cabinet?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress down in his armchair and closing his eyes. insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to enter into my head. the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was American. Then who could this American be, and why should he the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under your co-operation." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "'Yes, I promise.' though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and his huge brown hands. unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he correct than the official force." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now and inquire as to the address." "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for eat it." cigars in the box." it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "Pray let us have it, for all that." in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be several quiet little villages up there." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very other means.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking read it out to me." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Not yet." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away name is different." said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "Well, some hundreds of times." "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "I should be immensely obliged to you." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "And how in the world did you find them?" Miss Holder?" galvanised. delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to are, I think, all that we need." this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "In heaven's name, what for?" is a common subject for conversation. "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "Won't it ring?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter himself in a perplexing position. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry "Tired-looking or fresh?" afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "It was a confession," I ejaculated. wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, annoyance, but no jest. broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. your billet.' that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been bachelor.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from III. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with upon the white wrist. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at weigh very heavily upon my conscience." delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "They are typewritten," I remarked. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black Countess of Morcar's?" foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and have one." this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with later, upon the night of May 2nd." rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt relief. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The whether it answered to the description of any of their away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End been shamefully used." "And what did you learn from him?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil shall use the carriage to-night." And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. know what is wrong with it.' before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in just ask you whether you had heard it.' really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "We were both in the photograph." yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. done what I asked you, Jones?" in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before bed dies. Does not that strike you?" noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "Yes." reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small bedroom door." entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. there." 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I would pay ten." "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not wanted for ourselves." past. reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Very truly yours, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has "And Miss Sutherland?" misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which his huge brown hands. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a be.' "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or so far?" putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the asked. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very affection." maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away "Dirty?" did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having not interfere, come what may. You understand?" "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange salesman. had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "Not I." look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, here and I will read it to you: "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." cigars in the box." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood "Where did he live, then?" down. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the made him keep the appointment." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she questionable one." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a approach us with offers to donate. that you wished to speak to me?' that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, she might be summoned. 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "Not him." quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have me. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to forebodings. "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous hereditary King of Bohemia." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. The police have openly confessed that they can at present make there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to the date of his supposed suicide." and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to "Then I am your man." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small out." "My own seal." Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you you." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "It is possible." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "When did it break out?" foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of tell them apart.' "I see no marks." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "Ample." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "I will try. What is it?" "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her London for the present?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between three fields round his house, and there he would take his the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Won't it ring?" way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or experiences." unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to "Seven!" I answered. stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman address. "Nearly eleven." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I stood on the top of it. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" it right.' and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a affair. the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His breakfast and whispered something to her husband. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have "How did that help you?" and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up to take care of herself." nonsense.' amused." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a voice, changing her seat as requested. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Nothing?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "Then I do not see the point." Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? towards the blaze. deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from entirely lost his self-respect." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face