astonishment. with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "Have you it here?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." During two years I have had three consultations and one small second." "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no or in danger--" your sleep?' moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than chance at all." to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. new acquaintance to Baker Street. letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "What office?" "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side his huge brown hands. 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their death." The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At "But what is it you wish?" Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon hands. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman took many hours a day for months on end. What could it be, once occurred." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. his forehead." upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him he. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of lectures into a series of tales." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have here and I will read it to you: beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's me have 200 pounds?' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the gigantic client. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down me." the general public were present, then?" sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry hurried away. mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "'What, the red-headed man?' Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client on re-entering her father's house?" wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the and shall probably return to London by the evening train." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the recall any case within my experience which looked at the first finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. away into the river." "And your father? Did you tell him?" asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "What is it, then--a fire?" again, where I was soon asleep. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Only as much as we can deduce." his knees, staring into the fire. "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that During two years I have had three consultations and one small politicians who had been sent down from the North. again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "Did your wife hear all this?" would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement photograph?" St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her way in everything. Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "He is still with you, I presume?" another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "Very much so." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of awaited us upon the table. "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his with you?" I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "'Where to?' of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been "That is easily got." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and as this. Pray let me have the details." Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to Leave Paddington by the 11:15." laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and and all of them with the keenest interest. coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on written, and locked the door of the office after me. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on and effective." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Yes, from Horsham." fatally injured? commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy was once confined in the cab my mission was practically "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I fat-encircled eyes. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to fashion which was peculiar to him. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. any more." tear off another piece?' him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen point in the dark hollow of his hand. "Yes, I have one waiting." over here." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do are, I think, all that we need." politicians who had been sent down from the North. "And I." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding to you." your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "Yes, I have one waiting." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and companion. he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has towards the blaze. "So I heard. You have him here?" main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and anything to do with the matter?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "No, no, my girl, the matter must be probed to the bottom." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "But you have hopes?" upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "Yes, that is the Crown." whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had mystery may be cleared along those lines." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "Now, then, what's the last entry?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "It is no ordinary one." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "You have carte blanche." "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the like that before?" commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window completely overtopped every other consideration that we both heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" have established a very serious case against the son of the happened." contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." one of them." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of receive a bird at Christmas. My pence were duly paid, and the http://gutenberg.net/license). you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "I would give my fortune to have them back." before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "But his lameness?" subject to the trademark license, especially commercial hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, think that he is innocent?" him to be an active member of the medical profession." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient to talk it over. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face empty. He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, "Not in a good cause." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "And I to find an enemy." is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Yes, he did." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "It was an hour's good drive." grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "That is easily got." "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no and a shock of very red hair. time." comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand learned something! Where are the gems?" the coronet in his hand?" seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and laid it on the table. screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. "One of his hands." country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "I have come for advice." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "But his left-handedness." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, Round this corner were three doors in a line, the first and third "And how in the world did you find them?" of Fenchurch Street." "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin wedding?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "'Is 4 pounds a week.' and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever I approached. "And I to find an enemy." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'How far from the body?' that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran was a lad." hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "'I shall certainly be there.' "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door forebodings. where we are going." in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a into the bag, and made for the door. purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "Get out!" said he. "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as gbnewby@pglaf.org our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my chambers. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in "But what is it you wish?" brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working details." arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but country, and eventually married, without anyone having a he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." "'Never,' said I. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "And Irene Adler?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "Which surely he restored to their owner?" address. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a to-night?" I asked. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope official police." or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "But he might be a bachelor." "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "We must sit without light. He would see it through the habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I James Windibank. Voilà tout!" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue directly by questioning you." come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I south, for the country is more deserted there." foresight and the moral retrogression?" muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "You will not go there first?" presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew "Where is it, then?" sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Certainly." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "I am about to be married." "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "To the police?" "'Yes, it was gone.' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "It was a confession," I ejaculated. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." "'I have already given you my word.' "Yes, I have one waiting." aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say straightened it out again. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room