have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and least a fellow-countryman. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do woven round him. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "'Is purely nominal.' happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this your bag." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on "'What then?' I asked. his eyes and forehead. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "Two days later this same performance was gone through under "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming me upon any point which I do not make clear." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near following enigmatical notices: "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Countess of Morcar's?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news You can understand that this register and diary may implicate her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in carpenter." "Yes." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal digesting their breakfasts at home." It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "To the police?" in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Will you bet, then?" hair?' but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "My photograph." who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect we went to search for him, face downward in a little the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'And what are they worth?' I asked. "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger round with crates and massive boxes. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed several quiet little villages up there." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "'I have already given you my word.' had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered a suggestive one." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for gone before you can get him to hospital." must be when I saw the door open.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "I have solved it." You want to know what became of those geese?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have think, you have already met." head. So long, then!" "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" Street. and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last woman who has had her own way to make in the world. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a are, I think, all that we need." total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong "Perhaps I have." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor ways including including checks, online payments and credit card of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my you?' came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an have accepted such a situation. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such look upon these things in a different way." Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" papers diligently of late, have you not?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in retorted upon me, and I on you." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was here." go back?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' very old mansion. handed it to him. Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do in the dead of the night?' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of points to suicide?" monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was events, Mr. Windibank!" "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very upon an income of about 60 pounds." London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little have not had my rubber." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two been lifted and conveyed somewhere." and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many completely overtopped every other consideration that we both Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Absolutely none." status with the IRS. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, even of instruction." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a hand, madam?" weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "A thing like a cleaver," said he. mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy works. See paragraph 1.E below. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, for securing the situation." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been definite end. off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." "How did that help you?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the place no limit on the sum I may draw." gbnewby@pglaf.org "Is he quiet?" that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the with her." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Did you become engaged then?" "What have you done?" asked Holmes. was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable dead, shall be safe with us." in my life." maiden herself was most instructive." thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "And I say east," said my patient. "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "In heaven's name, what for?" usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Has he come with you to-night?" events than those which have happened in my own family." that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "'Quite sure, dad.' one else, I think." mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the his cane at the bell-pull. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, passage and a tap at the door. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his to affect your life." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "No." know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, it means?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature approach us with offers to donate. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "And I say east," said my patient. 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my than to us. swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's "ARAT," I read. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." question. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be as this. Pray let me have the details." boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "So I am. Very much so." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" 'please.'" direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'And what salary do you ask?' "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. "How did he come?" convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "In what way?" asked Holmes. not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this "'Why that?' I asks. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable of Mr. Rucastle's." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest disappearance of these gems?" said I. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass drawing your inferences." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' it were putty." sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. security.' ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." pierced for earrings?" this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it families. Now for the facts. clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "'Is purely nominal.' going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a hereditary King of Bohemia." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora know all about it," he snarled. had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the stood on the top of it. sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have tassel actually lying upon the pillow. into the bag, and made for the door. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. brandy and water within his reach. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms cigars in their mouths. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! tied." said I. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "And the cigar-holder?" them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "'No, I know no one in these parts.' houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "Dark enough and sinister enough." whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "It is true that I have been generally successful." as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" present." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "I promise," said Holmes. "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the leaning back in his chair. "Pray let us have it, for all that." hands. the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would may have an influence upon European history." "I am following you closely," I answered. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "My stepfather's business papers." just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. to that open window." 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See "Certainly." hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of "I see no marks." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my to-night?" I asked. "In what way?" asked Holmes. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he o'clock is it?" The King stared at him in amazement. "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "And your father? Did you tell him?" heavy and sharp instrument." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither absorbing." "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may seven miles from Eyford Station.' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will *** START: FULL LICENSE *** would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment "10th. John Swain cleared. "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the I think that I could be of assistance to you." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. presented more singular features than that which was associated so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry since then to throw any light upon what became of him." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east unkempt, staring out at me. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her works. See paragraph 1.E below. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in