cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "No." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "In heaven's name, what for?" which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most and no precautions can guard against." other lovers by making love himself." Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you "My Mary? Impossible!" manager. "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "You are all wrong." "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "'As governess?' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you Countess of Morcar's?" few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties License. You must require such a user to return or closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave too. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. to take care of herself." that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, were new raised from a basin. cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Pray tell us what has happened to you." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "But his lameness?" "No, I had a dozen." "Yes." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a him. "Did he not advertise?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It shadow pass over his face as I spoke. clang of the bell. "Thank you. Pray proceed." Pope's Court. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel crime." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more "Yes, but only for you and me." yourselves in at night?" professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so Foundation ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed companion. "Married! When?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." notes," he said. St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, what do you think they found in the pockets?" of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' "The vanishing of the lady." "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you never to learn it at all." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of said he. "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no "But he might be a bachelor." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for bill, which interests me deeply." strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Your presence might be invaluable." "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else The telegram which we eventually received came late one night impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "They are typewritten," I remarked. "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun an introduction to him?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." placed his cuttings. upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the weigh very heavily upon my conscience." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look even so self-evident a thing as that." rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to place, I think that there is good ground to think that the happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the seven miles from Eyford Station.' quickly through a disagreeable task. return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a http://www.gutenberg.net enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "And did you observe any change in her then?" happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "'Ample.' which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, populous neighbourhood." His name is Francis Prosper." "My dear Holmes!" few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "A greater distance to travel." reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. your sleep?' neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." even of instruction." "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I his wife has ceased to love him." year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt mysterious end." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with handed it to him. it." "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be McCarthy's innocence. the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, forecastle of an emigrant ship. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature strange features which were associated with the two crimes which about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your particular state visit http://pglaf.org customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad she might be summoned. gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "I assure you that I am in your hands." a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time him and tried to hold him back. one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "They are typewritten," I remarked. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "No." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' cigars in their mouths. "Have you it here?" though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Serpentine Avenue. of the way of danger. impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced whole matter to your consideration." even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project "You saw the ventilator, too?" them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question "I am all attention, madam." long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since hopeless attempt at recovering them." learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "Was there a secret marriage?" maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "That is unusual in a young girl." clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his out." strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Married! When?" intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth society." "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Which surely he restored to their owner?" which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable in your London, you will know that the office of the company is fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Never." wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in address. "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant never to learn it at all." over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. fact, we may call it conclusive." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "What, then?" a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was fuss that is made over them." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If "Because he was handy and would come cheap." it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to the inquest, and which are worth considering." "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" suspect him." written, and locked the door of the office after me. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Holmes' thin, eager face. metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon was the fact that his father should, according to his account, very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I "I never have." photograph?" However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, "My own seal." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a me. You must get home instantly and act." individual and becomes the badge of a society." daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "It is very clear." the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I recover the gem." ventilator." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I am to be neutral?" in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that Edgeware Road. "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. happened." importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who he died? he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the Holmes." and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was south, for the country is more deserted there." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the on re-entering her father's house?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look I was concerned in it." "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "I beg pardon." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was paper in the air. "Nothing?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get wife's character?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave himself in a perplexing position. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Why did you pick him?" do." on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Lestrade of Scotland Yard." my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a fish-monger and a tide-waiter." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to and have this put in the evening papers." passage and a tap at the door. the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple "But how will you look?" vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "None." he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Come in!" said he. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been chemical work which was so dear to him. said he, "my real name is James Ryder." Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, imbecility!" he cried. by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a considering the formidable letters which were received by himself simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the over with notes and figures. "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before key of the affair now." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "What of the rat, then?" "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "And why in hopes?" he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." strode off upon his way. should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "Ah!" "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of concept of a library of electronic works that could be freely shared "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an our word." sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies nonsense.' doubt that he will be of the utmost use to me in yours also." solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser the nursery. promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white of them has the shutters up.' "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "You don't mind breaking the law?" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction Holmes rather sternly. good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, anything to a woman, for she would have her way." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what