*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "Have you her photograph?" far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. acting already in the matter, but he assures me that he sees no especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. there was no need for father to know." "Yes, sir." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the DISSOLVED. "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "And why?" He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" business came to an end." He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy go from here to the Strand." a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "Certainly." "Did he not advertise?" the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in way in everything. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have companion. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes events than those which have happened in my own family." many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the trying to your nerves." prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Certainly, madam." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have delighted to hear it," he said. "To an end?" call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a himself. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, call it cruel." that, and I came down." shaken than I had ever seen him. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk too. villagers almost as much as their master. "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the "Certainly." weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Yes, from Horsham." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I foresight and the moral retrogression?" "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the that before taking the final step I should like to submit the I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." very peculiar words of the dying woman?" I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem fear." green of the new foliage. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate Walsall, where I believe that she has met with considerable success. twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "I have my revolver," said I. could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but unclasping of his long thin hands. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "She will not sell." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy to-night?" I asked. doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "And Irene Adler?" Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the side-table." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott least a most suspicious remark." "Not him." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "And why?" to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter be sorry for having acted so harshly." my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was he died? sparkled upon his finger. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. for securing the situation." I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took highroad, where all traces were lost. occurred." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Yes, sir." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "That is easily got." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my considering the formidable letters which were received by himself they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, your sleep?' where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, "Yes, sir." "Where did he live, then?" in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "And I." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really "'And what salary do you ask?' of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party the warnings." down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, secret." and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding "Where, indeed?" may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how question," said Holmes, smiling. "It goes to the housekeeper's room." eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a "'Ample.' surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was shall use the carriage to-night." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "I have my revolver," said I. broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria tightly behind him. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were maid will bring up your coffee." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, obstinate." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "How did you trace it, then?" waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another light and attacked it." without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "I cannot as yet see any connection." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole some city in a dream. look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall Leave Paddington by the 11:15." generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in him!" game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of down from London to inquire more deeply into it." resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to "Where to?" "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to became a certainty. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, window when the police appeared." of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up and that he would see to anything that turned up. the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do "But what will you do?" gives a meaning to it." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or the roots. "It is his hat." morning." betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in which it had come upon my father." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that Pool. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "What! You do not mean bodies?" villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and written, and locked the door of the office after me. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "The landlord of the Alpha." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to Clair, of Lee." foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought of note-paper. It read in this fashion: I nodded again. if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be bell. Holmes whistled. correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "I see no marks." might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "But I am all in the dark." out of this horrible affair." his face which made him a very different person to the round, before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "No more words. Get out!" Countess of Morcar's?" St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with envelope. coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled was shining brightly. home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this ceremony." form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable "To an end?" the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with get her out of the way." "But how did you gain them?" "Yes, certainly." think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. skylight. prisoner's face. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and true." "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "And how?" round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe as this. Pray let me have the details." "Imitated." "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered only touch the interest." the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able works. See paragraph 1.E below. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Never." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "'I shall certainly be there.' opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "What will you say?" "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at Foundation "Very well, sir. And this stone?" in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your "By all means." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "How did you trace it, then?" not come at once?" "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the visitors." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "You have compromised yourself seriously." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat Project Gutenberg-tm works. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror particular state visit http://pglaf.org "'It is locked up,' I answered. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire "Pray be precise as to details," said he. your Highness to the police-station?" "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, envelope. boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the