"It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, room?" "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "I will get her to show me." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair maiden herself was most instructive." and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm acted in my house last night?" forbidden door. avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty him, that man would not have given me such complete information no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the said I. are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning "It was an hour's good drive." heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now than was visible to me." disappearance of these gems?" thin legs towards the fire. the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be fled together." overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. look dissatisfied." "Your French gold?" my little problems." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me advice." I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United it means?" glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "We have tried and failed." scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" me upon any point which I do not make clear." "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Then you may entirely rely on me." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' without a word or a look. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of strange features which were associated with the two crimes which sooner or later she must fall a victim. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my frequently gained my first real insight into the character of not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my purpose equally well?" ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "What, then?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated o'clock is it?" stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "Not in the least." "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. lumber-room." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away strength in the others." change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "Of what day?" The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "Was she in good spirits?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not into the room. outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming evidence," I remarked. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "And I say east," said my patient. handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to my little problems." the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "'And what salary do you ask?' the dangers which encompass me." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and himself. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study that you wished to speak to me?' Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the galvanised. said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads in a very precise fashion." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." photograph a cabinet?" twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can Clair, of Lee." see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "Do you know him?" nonsense.' his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had may never be exposed to such a temptation." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you fear." "Yes." we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most John Swain, of St. Augustine. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "And on what day did he meet his death?" for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "Well, some hundreds of times." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I bore every mark of being an average commonplace British a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check and the whole place is in a blaze." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "I don't believe it." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Ah!" Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of lids now and glanced across at his visitor. see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that she used." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me minor matters until to-morrow." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where "I shall be delighted." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the it? Did I buy the geese off you?" that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. "You don't mind breaking the law?" of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six "I think that I had better go, Holmes." it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been standing smiling on the door-step. you." the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still of his shoulders. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers hardly wander." pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "And now?" He raised his hand. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "By train from Waterloo." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." face and glided from the room. confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced in this way: gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of something of him before." had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. weapon." although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must status with the IRS. "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Where to?" third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all McCarthy." for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I him. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad "I should be immensely obliged to you." "But how?" "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday "But you would not advise me to refuse?" will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the you." 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. "How many? I don't know." expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had London for the present?" this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and one which it was hard to resist. "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my occurred." means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your too. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and once more to my work. only touch the interest." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and narrative." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I am sure." "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his unprofitable." in a friendly supper." essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "Stolen." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must sound at heart." side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very The events in question occurred in the early days of my "Nothing?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great trifles." servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised Gutenberg-tm License. the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting footfalls from the street. extraordinary contortions. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He you give your casting vote to?" "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon Gutenberg-tm License. who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my your only hope of safety." "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught relation between them, and what the object of his repeated We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was where Mr. Fordham shows you.' all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "And you don't know his address?" important." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so what do you think they found in the pockets?" "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was a monotonous occupation." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the business in the City. She little knew what. surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and "My dear Holmes!" assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a writer." Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me electronic works wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in that he will be back before evening." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," written. "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "And it is--" "No good news?" his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's "And when will you call?" means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, one of the states of the Union." "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and "How many? I don't know." yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by them present such singular features as the strange train of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "I know where it is." "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. questioning and rather startled gaze. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I shall be delighted." Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon my room." so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She During two years I have had three consultations and one small former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a on in his house." waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. during the last few years, and there are many noble families to married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their wife's character?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for and files of the old papers, following the future career of every rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence in his power. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I interest. They are important, you understand, without being "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an she might be summoned. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. during that time.' "'A dozen yards or so.' shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "It's nothing of the kind." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in shaken than I had ever seen him. innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "The knees of his trousers." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the