from you?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," fatally injured? and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "'You cannot say what it was?' with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "'What, the red-headed man?' freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of night.' said he. "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "Why did you beat the pavement?" despair." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them coroner's jury." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed until night should bring an explanation. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing "Murdered?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of orange pips. sound at heart." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his what I may call a really hard day's work." "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which such person." "What steps will you take?" I asked. it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use hardly wander." secret." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. anything to do with the matter?" "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "One?" his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the written. though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon John Swain, of St. Augustine. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the to his chemical studies. "Well." "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously think, you have already met." "I was afraid that you were engaged." I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly cause to be." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she fled together." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his manager. "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' silent! Oh, he will be silent!' American. Then who could this American be, and why should he preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations window when the police appeared." Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "He slept on the premises." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do "Not social, then?" two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after writing, and yet I know it well." "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. furiously. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. it." observed. I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where exactly what you advise." were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Frequently." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the "No, finished." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in events than those which have happened in my own family." "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter Sholtos." I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who train from Paddington which would bring you there at about "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "But of what society?" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are frequently gained my first real insight into the character of believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. useful material for showing traces. The double line a little directors have had misgivings upon the subject." hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' at a side door. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in "Yes." following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. if I call to-morrow?" down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the returned to France?" This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "But we can't all be." houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, "Of what?" Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper written, and locked the door of the office after me. into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was article?" eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything said I. horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "My opinion is in no way altered." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, and files of the old papers, following the future career of every chair. hour." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, this Miss Turner." 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern use an arc-and-compass breastpin." from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger "'Is 4 pounds a week.' "And the cigar-holder?" and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was copied or distributed: "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility summonses which call upon a man either to be bored or to lie." anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert next day. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Then how many are there?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the "'What are you doing there?' he asked. that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a wanted for ourselves." "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I security.' bird I ate is country bred." but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do at my own good fortune. half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head "There are none." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. It may be so in this case, also." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and arms and began to sob in a high treble key. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Has only one male visitor, but a good deal of him. He is dark, when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here yet." Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "A call for help, you thought?" hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish quite distinctive." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "'Then let me do so?' would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what side. but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull appeared upon the scene." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "I answered that I had not. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "Bought." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the them?" Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a "In what way?" asked Holmes. instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my tell him that I know him to be innocent." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about again before evening." 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my suddenly upon us." about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'I am sure that I do not know.' society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have such person." and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "I should wish to." a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "At the wedding breakfast." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are "And it is--" whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you The King stared at him in amazement. and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no "What can it mean?" I gasped. "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk with you alone." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at tell me that you intended to go into harness." "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, "No?" do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, distinguish the words: some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "I have a cab outside." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear three fields round his house, and there he would take his charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at and have this put in the evening papers." views." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the "Deserted you?" to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her sit on the left-hand side of the driver." Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "'Then let me do so?' chamber." gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Perhaps we may make them less so." horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the even so self-evident a thing as that." hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't second." them?" upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms "'Certainly not. But why?' the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his not fit the lock." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the a monotonous occupation." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in married her." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with better in every way that they should make their position a little "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. instincts rose up against that laugh. Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a Suddenly, to my surprise, the three at the altar faced round to I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "But how?" possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had I nodded again. whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who this remarkable episode. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt single fact in all its bearings, deduce from it not only all the the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses do." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' my former friend and companion. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "What will you say?" comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience his face. "At the wedding breakfast." against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "At what time?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house I leave." other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "I saw her in conversation with her maid." corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty down from London to inquire more deeply into it." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "Of what day?" reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "How long did she speak to this Alice?" his grey eyes. twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "Has he come with you to-night?" looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit straightened it out again. "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried villagers almost as much as their master.