repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated charge against him will break down." "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "My dear Holmes!" have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Pray continue your narrative." re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet evidence," I remarked. "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in this as likely?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the is acting for the best. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was writers could invent nothing more crude." views." events, Mr. Windibank!" aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in garden below. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." of the vacancies.' within hail.' shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at that I am arrested." "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, prepare for the new role I have to play." "Perhaps we may make them less so." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to case-book, which he consulted. ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "And is that all?" put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** a monotonous occupation." it? Did I buy the geese off you?" case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' disturbance in my wife." foot. conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. bears upon the case?" look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, he. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "None. Neville wrote those words." to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will call you and give you the chance." sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little in this note: some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of wife's character?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "And how did you find out?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel you in yours." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If the King without delay." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to-night?" I asked. I was concerned in it." danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way "Nor running a chance of arrest?" used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met suspect him." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. back into the street. having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked weary and pale-looking. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary From what you have told me I think that it is possible that when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left because she had spent so short a time in this country that she ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I His name is Francis Prosper." the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Whose house is it?" a room. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. the child." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Who by?" Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will vanished into the darkness. her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a sparkled upon his finger. good for you to do.' "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some himself. town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "How often?" maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, not, dad?" she asked. interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "What will you do, then?" appeal." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself chair. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, entirely lost his self-respect." drove away. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. "Pray tell us what has happened to you." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "What then?" building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his room?" "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Serpentine Avenue. did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our said he. "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting other means.' and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "On your arm?" the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Yes, sir." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and "So it appears." should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of and have this put in the evening papers." gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are "Have you her photograph?" sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and glanced through. up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the so-precious time, but come!' As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I assure you that I am in your hands." to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, suspect him." I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." through." look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to "'And the work?' "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. grasp, he hurried from the room. to have that photograph." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, main points of my analysis." was a loud and authoritative tap. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I views." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "But what will you do?" moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. hair?' "You are certainly joking, Holmes." "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, of the vacancies.' It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time you came in." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those was the fact that his father should, according to his account, prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his row." seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a neither fascinating nor artistic." "This concluded the examination of the witness." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though do.' Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." point our research must commence, and we will begin it by Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "And what then?" considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "I am about to be married." "How did he come?" coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this during the last few years, and there are many noble families to The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "What then?" "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my coat-tails." against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, key turn in the lock." pity, because in other respects you would really have done very even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I works. my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and up this clue while it is still hot." green of the new foliage. "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "Yes." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers indeed which he could not unravel. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door the window, rose as we entered. "And leave your case unfinished?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Your sister is dead, then?" "What can you not understand?" justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him the inner apartment." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right cigars in their mouths. thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "By no means." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as touch that coronet?' than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Certainly." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by The King stared at him in amazement. young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property think that any burglar could have done. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as information in his hands the value of which he did not himself with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "I have a cab outside." a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I cannot tell." I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was less than 26s. 4d. I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, asked. the King without delay." Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "'Yes, it was gone.' child?' "May I see it?" "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You not interfere, come what may. You understand?" point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "'I shall certainly be there.' the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "The best possible." matter." Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that young Openshaw's." elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "What can you not understand?" "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, "His face fell immediately. IS didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the "You heard nothing yourself last night?" had a long day." "But she will refuse." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" be best to do. my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "Well, but China?" Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter results." ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "Here?" "I should wish to." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it I leave." to a more successful conclusion." a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from John Swain, of St. Augustine. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow correct than the official force." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive it with his own hands." Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know occupations.' conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Where does the thing come from?' struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to there!' arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me them?" "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us in the dead of the night?' soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her IS "Certainly." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in in this note: The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat enter into my head. "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the