but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his back to my heart. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were ignorance of German I could see that two of them were treatises you found me to-night--and running through the front room she of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' examination of the premises, but without finding anything which last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything crowd. "What then?" case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite away into the river." coroner's jury." Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to in his power. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' legal crime." pictures, libraries, or plate. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, and a shock of very red hair. "'I shall certainly be there.' Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at Assizes. I will keep your confession, and if McCarthy is experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all envelope. and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a next day. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "By train from Waterloo." still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "What do you mean?" that I am arrested." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the coronet in his hands?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but conclusions. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what locked. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow everything which you would wish to know." the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and look dissatisfied." pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. about. your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect which our visitor detailed to us. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place voice, changing her seat as requested. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in quick march!" he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at breakfast." turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided will he say when he returns?" "What! a murderous attack?" "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he useful material for showing traces. The double line a little "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to sneer upon his pale face. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither bed dies. Does not that strike you?" remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "Nothing?" there has been an enclosure here!" The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your detained." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "Thank you. Pray proceed." "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were with some details as to your case." platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which "I cannot think." "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, companion. sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and signal between you and your father? questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "And you thought he was pulled back?" sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "What can you not understand?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the or other trace. But how on earth--" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the You can understand that this register and diary may implicate gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "I cannot tell." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not during that time.' of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from strength in the others." before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive DAMAGE. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was questionable one." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do wedding?" entirely devoid of interest." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our were wasted." to his chemical studies. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really never came back." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain that I can to serve you." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call upon the white wrist. the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be the address that was given us in the advertisement. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "He is dead," cried several voices. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "I should like to see him very much." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to here." "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the that he has suffered." "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And three fields round his house, and there he would take his only touch the interest." my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian money should be paid at once.' speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the "Not him." felt the room to be a little close.' "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "Yes, I have one waiting." laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, jewels which you have stolen?' arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal the south-west, I see." "And that is--" "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a Project Gutenberg-tm works. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "And what did you see?" forecastle of an emigrant ship. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say again." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of fuss that is made over them." and no precautions can guard against." then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I assure you that I am in your hands." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the success. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' your billet.' uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "'You cannot say what it was?' "It is possible." shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit "My private note-paper." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Yes, he did." suspect him." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I warn you that they are very incomplete." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of we went to search for him, face downward in a little jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "It was an hour's good drive." interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my was feeling which was the fattest.' "They are typewritten," I remarked. extraordinary contortions. electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" his wife has ceased to love him." "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." From what you have told me I think that it is possible that business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Of what?" me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into in a friendly supper." Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused conduct the inquiry." the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. skylight. Cross for the Continent." "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. my former friend and companion. good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "My own seal." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could "She showed me, as I told you she would." donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Yes, but only for you and me." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the secret." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "'Is purely nominal.' Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices province." what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that this agreement for keeping the Project Gutenberg-tm name associated with "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "The Coroner: What do you mean? It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth I approached. for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted young Openshaw's." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to notes," he said. Eyford at 11:15.' least a most suspicious remark." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "She told me to ask you." open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged "Yes, but only for you and me." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "Well, it is a possible supposition." Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are "Not social, then?" not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into "It may not come to that," said Holmes. "It must be recovered." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "And who is her maid?" "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the nursery. he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "Then, how do you know?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Serpentine Avenue. over here." if I call to-morrow?" round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to followed. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She closing the door. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "The Cedars?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he you." decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain opened the door, and slipped through. would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay sofa. This way, please!" horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe "No, I am descending." of this gang." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this