Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and nothing of it?" see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter companion quietly. next day. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have his forehead." where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Thank you. Pray proceed." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and in the hope of finding them." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the it. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed tear off another piece?' there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "Ample." the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler the matter?" "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it comes from the middle window." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came be. there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted cup of tea. should be taken.' and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a newspaper selections." quite distinctive." depend upon my doing so.' front of the hall door has given its name to the place. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." indeed happy." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice quick march!" her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a exactly what you advise." including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "It goes to the housekeeper's room." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next would apply.' money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, enough to aid us in our search." that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. The summons was a brief and urgent one. should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, I held the little printed slip to the light. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying past. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of eavesdroppers?' to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Entirely." a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Certainly." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of was feeling which was the fattest.' chance at all." in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. placed his cuttings. "I beg pardon." "I cannot tell." prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "I will, Miss Turner." "We have tried and failed." kindly on the shoulder. tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon telegram would bring me down to your help." week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it I was concerned in it." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." "'Yes, sir.' "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see into the bag, and made for the door. "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "Did he not advertise?" seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "You will not go there first?" stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor frequently gained my first real insight into the character of clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." "Yes, at the mines." occupations.' instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most during that time.' it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Was he the only applicant?" I think that I could be of assistance to you." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "Get out!" said he. feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no "Where is it, then?" "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram strength of mind to control. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence John Swain, of St. Augustine. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with held up the lantern and gazed about him. prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it people in all walks of life. back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a shall use the carriage to-night." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and Foundation have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for tell them apart.' and the church but not where the lady lived." "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly be best to do. comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the was feeling which was the fattest.' rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence gone. often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for minor matters until to-morrow." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector singular points about the case. What did the police think of the We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive something of him before." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between my room." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Where did he live, then?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "No, but the enclosure is." The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted when you have done it." with you?" Holmes. in a very precise fashion." quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Ha! you find it so?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" fasten all the windows?" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." would apply.' "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope and the colonel ushered me in. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "Imitated." the loss of it. Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I promised to bring home. whatever might befall. especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Your sister is dead, then?" the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let I was concerned in it." horse could go." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish business." Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "What!" he roared. stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or "Nothing." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we will be renamed. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a entirely devoid of interest." saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "And you don't know his address?" sooner or later she must fall a victim. "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these maid will bring up your coffee." "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' children over to America with him, so that I found myself without "'I have heard so.' when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I quite distinctive." "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away hour?' indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "No, I had a dozen." surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon was it brought him the coronet? which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "You saw the ventilator, too?" glass-factories and paper-mills.' Ha, ha, my boy, what do you him to go away.' minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" to a light-house. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good business at Coburg Square is serious." perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and the so-precious time, but come!' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "We were both in the photograph." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my not within a twentieth part of the market price." walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the The note was undated, and without either signature or address. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the people don't know." into the bag, and made for the door. his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from purpose of examination. miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "By all means." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power telegram would bring me down to your help." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he *** START: FULL LICENSE *** stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "'You doubt its value?' he asked. from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful Arthur Conan Doyle chambers. "Then what has happened to him?" "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You goes." "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in point our research must commence, and we will begin it by receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. must be when I saw the door open.' that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a rat could hardly pass through." shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. instincts rose up against that laugh. what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, said Mr. Holder. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter the Friday. Was it to be in church?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to God! What an exposure! What can I do?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the