he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure fattened it expressly for you.' direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too direction." forehead. Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a II. "So it appears." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone correct than the official force." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." paper in the air. miles off. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "But she could not love him." "I cannot think." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns "Why, what do you mean?" last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention of them has the shutters up.' guilty parties." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The a few minutes he said that it would be all right. gives a meaning to it." dates and names. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to any little problem which you may submit to me." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I brain must have something in it." not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I Serpentine Avenue. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you to have been novel and of interest." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and the loss of it. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we Literary Archive Foundation buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, "Indeed! Whose, then?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and generous with you in money matters.' time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter handed it to him. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Certainly, madam." saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, indeed happy." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she crime." souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the kindly on the shoulder. With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. Sholtos." "Yes, at the mines." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works purpose equally well?" Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my not within a twentieth part of the market price." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to shall use the carriage to-night." He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his fishes. This is what he says: after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will thought that she would have been so carried away." side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying to Leatherhead. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in second." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. business in the City. She little knew what. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, cause to be." "Yes, he did." bedroom door." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Not social, then?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of His smile broadened. "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? and I shall be with you presently." I am not easy in my mind about them." statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing some mystery and the punishment of some crime." definite end. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "Why, what do you mean?" "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the side-table." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the and capable of preserving a secret.' other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in new acquaintance to Baker Street. Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Then you may entirely rely on me." some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Ample." "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. lost his Christmas dinner." job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his bill, which interests me deeply." that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from that other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on the Red-headed League." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement their singular warning or token before them when starting upon bears upon the case?" the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss could gather together that I was able to avert another public than was visible to me." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort village inn over there?" "And the cigar-holder?" evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the into the room. sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Frequently." and looked back. page at http://pglaf.org but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk gigantic client. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke on re-entering her father's house?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "Here?" "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'Ample.' "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a it right.' you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, sofa. This way, please!" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A congratulate you again." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." bill, which interests me deeply." brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready persecution?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable in one or two places in England?' "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong morning." infinite languor in his face. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of galvanised. "Nor running a chance of arrest?" note?" "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I stammered. the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side may never be exposed to such a temptation." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took "There you are," said he. "That circle is drawn at a radius of the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly very peculiar words of the dying woman?" about. directors have had misgivings upon the subject." "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and pressing in one house as in another. Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we them, and came down just as you departed. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked to a light-house. them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland six. Come in!" me, and I could not think that his explanation of the to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "No good news?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, weary and pale-looking. Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as seven miles from Eyford Station.' done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" unprecedented a position." we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "I will do it." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting was once confined in the cab my mission was practically later, upon the night of May 2nd." sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of the child." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the room had already been engaged for us. astonishment. exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, "It is his hat." smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and the King without delay." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "No, thank goodness, she did not." appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a the room while you explain this matter?" red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I am following you closely," I answered. The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an will take you up to see the machine.' "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "An enemy?" "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "Then how many are there?" expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "How long did she speak to this Alice?" he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "I have solved it." and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her chamber." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, upon the shelf for the interim." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. III. "Ah, but I was recommended to you." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would "The Coroner: What do you mean? the coroner come to?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a "You horrify me!" Pool. will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which Edgeware Road. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had is acting for the best. in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it up this clue while it is still hot." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I round with crates and massive boxes. never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this is entirely a question of barometric pressure." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, "I beg pardon." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew call you and give you the chance." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "The vanishing of the lady." great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "Pray do so." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Was the window open?" 11:15.' it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very "I cannot as yet see any connection." on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I I nodded again. friends, not even his own brother. "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our been able to understand it, in a very few words. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The My friend smiled. "And now?" I asked. "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, the house with me." "Why, what do you mean?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I "Pray do so." what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "That is it on the dressing-table." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check bed dies. Does not that strike you?" his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and geese which you supplied to the Alpha." of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking fear, and the sight sent a chill to my own heart. She held up one Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the directors, with the result that you have seen." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be "Seven!" I answered. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then