I nodded to show that I had heard. has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "How did he come?" girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the the house with me." salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Not particularly." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "I have solved it." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, "I am all attention, madam." did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "Game for a morning drive?" of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he absorbing." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening considering the formidable letters which were received by himself down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the do." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "And why in hopes?" "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your closely." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away helping a boy to put up the shutters. the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed a monotonous occupation." the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" was already answered. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "No." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "None." if only as a check to my own memory." "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a way in." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was crackling voice. becomes even more simple." That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to bachelor.' in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in late." "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and all of them with the keenest interest. following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing directors have had misgivings upon the subject." The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, wedding?" Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "And why?" wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very "How about poison?" planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began the date of his supposed suicide." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, opened a pocket-book and took out a note. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Never." Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon was keenly on my guard against him. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "My private note-paper." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear "And the cigar-holder?" succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. problems help me to do so." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "My dear Holmes!" realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "So it appears." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you pictures, libraries, or plate. people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the 1.E.9. "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "Dr. Becher's." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection other lovers by making love himself." "Do you know him?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his I nodded to show that I had heard. her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "But what harm can there be in that?" "It looks newer than the other things?" One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." "Holmes, the busybody!" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "Frequently." locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the situation." "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me is!" He quietly shot back a panel in the upper part of the door we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "Not him." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the you in your example." feature." three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. tightly behind him. association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious "That is possible." When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from ready to-morrow?' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every way in." in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "'You cannot say what it was?' "I am still in the dark." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have business in the City. She little knew what. have not had my rubber." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is arrested. You then--" "In what way?" asked Holmes. See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "He said that you could solve anything." fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "You will not go there first?" pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the "Very. But will he see it?" "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias green of the new foliage. distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "And on what day did he meet his death?" been shamefully used." ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE photograph a cabinet?" they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are Where does the thing come from?' room. possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes own family. "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could second." "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "In heaven's name, what for?" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for it means?" self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "Was he the only applicant?" broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, "'Certainly,' I answered. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "I should like to see him very much." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of cause to be." you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "How did that help you?" advice." completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only way in everything. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "Do you know him?" "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "'How far from the body?' Henry Baker can have the same by applying at 6:30 this evening at the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "'In my own bureau.' Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, not fit the lock." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be "Yes, I have one waiting." permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. chambers. that you wished to speak to me?' he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I interests were the same as his." ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who gigantic client. "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he "How can you tell that?" "Your sister is dead, then?" that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather "Was your sister dressed?" hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily so.' "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business affair. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of in a friendly supper." minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Yes." dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "What are they?" devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive of his shoulders. heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some to-night?' me, and I could not think that his explanation of the memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry me. father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the "What will you say?" "I cannot as yet see any connection." future lives." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to-night's adventure." and wait." "'It is locked up,' I answered. behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I me have 200 pounds?' distinguish the words: "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "But to whom?" Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with business matters.' silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always orange pips. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for like gravel from a pit.' extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his "Eh? What was that?" travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner before, for it was considerably after midnight. broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "That sounds a little paradoxical." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I bachelor.' here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from here and I will read it to you: (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate are without looking." Then, suddenly realising the full purport air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "'Certainly not.' the bottom.' particular state visit http://pglaf.org the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our there has been an enclosure here!" This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill has little to do with my story." "It is his hat." of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward sit on the left-hand side of the driver." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "Where, then, is my wife?" "What do you make of that, Watson?" job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden deduce something from that?" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." overpowering excitement and concern. that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the child." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his was feeling which was the fattest.' seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "Where is it, then?" been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again "To ruin me." for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Never.' "Well, it is just as I have been telling you, Mr. Sherlock upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons footfalls from the street. "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. for securing the situation." set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to think that he is innocent?" he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "What shall I do?" Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there begun to whiten, even as mine has." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as politicians who had been sent down from the North. eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which My friend smiled. "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass before the coroner and the police-court." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear Where does the thing come from?' glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in and all of them with the keenest interest. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the "Why did you pick him?" "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he frequently gained my first real insight into the character of that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "Upon what point?" know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was for its centre. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me public press." "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon "'What would be the hours?' I asked. will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Two days later this same performance was gone through under know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress about here speaks of his kindness to him." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "No good news?" "I was sure that I might rely on you." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "Yes?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "I have hopes." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I