pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. grizzled, that it has been recently cut, and that he uses "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the there when the Rucastles went away." even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an could not have written that. It is the German who is so sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his "'And the work?' "I beg pardon." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'What, the red-headed man?' off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "I shall most certainly do so." address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "And help." the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them be there in time for your coming." be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the the inquest, and which are worth considering." compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical cup of tea. destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread "'What are you doing there?' he asked. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There ready to-morrow?' but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had in my life." cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a stepfather?" encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute had died away into the silence from which it rose. "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the take the flies, but not before." Spaulding, he came down into the office just this day eight his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on he bowed and left the room without another word. was shining brightly. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "And how did you verify them?" A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great on in his house." And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce floor. Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in prisoner's face. A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of hard-headed British jury." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his his face. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms lost his Christmas dinner." I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You have not had my rubber." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and photograph?" "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. there was no need for father to know." black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I I am not easy in my mind about them." uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air himself in a perplexing position. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "Only as much as we can deduce." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able touch that coronet?' and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "Yesterday." examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other "Only as much as we can deduce." "Yes." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "'Stolen!' he cried. chance at all." the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" more terrible than the truth. "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I I took the paper from him and read as follows: "No. His orders were to stay in the house." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "He is still with you, I presume?" bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood pierced for earrings?" very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning again, where I was soon asleep. his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Doctor, of the paper and the date." was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I should wish to." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less who was a member of your goose club." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "This is the girl's stepfather, Mr. James Windibank," said in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my in darkness. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "By no means." arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, sparkled upon his finger. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "At half-wages, in fact." learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey Lee, in the county of Kent." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some "Do you go out much in society?" had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "I cannot tell." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the shadow pass over his face as I spoke. while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, other lovers by making love himself." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I am all attention, madam." flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with in a very precise fashion." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case was once confined in the cab my mission was practically paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' occurred." him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door "Really! You surprise me." Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this society." "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Very truly yours, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been astonishment. is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "No, I am descending." "Will you bet, then?" "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." breakfast and whispered something to her husband. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. late!' the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the at my remark. a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the you." which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have disappearance of the bride.'" snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her hair?' o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its suspect him." entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds "I beg pardon." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about "Here?" results." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not you understand?" cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of used to be." unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door during which he might have communicated with his friend the "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He woman who has had her own way to make in the world. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your was once confined in the cab my mission was practically enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a that before taking the final step I should like to submit the in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. as he folded up the epistle. and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I beg pardon." corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" your bag." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather bell. Holmes whistled. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is strength of mind to control. narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so "Of what day?" Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local side. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered furiously. "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, "This photograph!" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "None." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin to have that photograph." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. in a friendly supper." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is your bag." at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful with frightened eyes at his accuser. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to have I gained?" "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "I have seen the police." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he more solid." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow "The Cedars?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening round with crates and massive boxes. "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him not come at once?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a quickly through a disagreeable task. "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "Entirely." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of breakfast?" groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which as the one I chose?' you." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he attention." in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands populous neighbourhood." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the