"Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is meant it for the best. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, page at http://pglaf.org sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 security.' he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon whether it answered to the description of any of their pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of three of the beryls in it, was missing. "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me introspective fashion. pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the go from here to the Strand." "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than man. I know him from the photograph." empty. fait accompli?" wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between had no one to advise her at such a crisis." mystery." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, chance at all." the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' never to learn it at all." hand, madam?" understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "I should wish to." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I me have 200 pounds?' drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling heavy and sharp instrument." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "Holmes, the busybody!" we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I "Very truly yours, was a loud and authoritative tap. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." placed his cuttings. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the "What of the rat, then?" Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of the roots. but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was quite distinctive." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "What have you to say now?" "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery and the colonel ushered me in. Pope's Court. have come upon. Who would have believed it? Who would have ever repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office residence of the great financier. but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so interests were the same as his." alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "It may not come to that," said Holmes. generous with you in money matters.' that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "'You doubt its value?' he asked. with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up "'Where could I find him?' IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the heavy and sharp instrument." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a joking. for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand pound a week." "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could the one as in the other." to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to mystery!" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to "We must have a cab." true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "She will not sell." "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did guilty one." result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came exactly what you advise." police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from photograph?" dramatic, in fact." hurried away. Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "What! You do not mean bodies?" "No, thank goodness, she did not." it." 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "Dr. Becher's." light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. politicians who had been sent down from the North. without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the bonnet, and went out." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, and that he would see to anything that turned up. come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "You may rely upon my doing all that I can." lamp in his hand. wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small 1.E.9. foot. orange pips. two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "for it made me angry to see the easy way in which Mr. bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master "That is not always so easy." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang gone. "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other fishes. advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, "'Quite sure, dad.' clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Stolen, then." would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard breakfast?" instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the went to the Alpha were town bred." "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. your equipment. is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an and capable of preserving a secret.' never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her "'About the same.' accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw think that he is innocent?" King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "When did she vanish, then?" Henry Baker is a member." I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and without a word or a look. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which always that they were such commands as a lady might with eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very his face which made him a very different person to the round, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. breakfast?" fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old point our research must commence, and we will begin it by so far?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing a room. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. breakfast." of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me voice. "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home sparkled upon his finger. along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "And how have you succeeded?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, do." "Stop it!" I cried; "pull yourself together!" and I poured out the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed think, you have already met." His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as she to prove their authenticity?" possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Then you may entirely rely on me." stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that advice." room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do thirty. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the over his head with a sweet womanly caress. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. outsides of the windows. present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, three fields round his house, and there he would take his Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "Where, then?" Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "How can you tell that?" paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies occupations.' walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten come either from the window or the door. My attention was very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Yes, it would be as well." "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I say that I have solved it." He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "We must have a cab." Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a before, for it was considerably after midnight. jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "In what way?" asked Holmes. Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "Where, indeed?" get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, confronted him. benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have other means.' some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little "It is very clear." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some here and I will read it to you: "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very it were putty." "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely your own bird, so if you wish--" Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several fait accompli?" while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "I will get her to show me." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I congenial hunt. the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All families. Now for the facts. point in the dark hollow of his hand. beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. I shall communicate with you." affair. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. written. felt?" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "The best possible." "And when will you call?" upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right empty. discontent upon his features. particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the year in, year out, in such places, and none the wiser. Had this copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to "I am all attention, madam." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in inside pocket of his greatcoat. As he glanced down the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you unprofitable." to where he stood hid behind the curtain. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." himself to hunt down. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the families. Now for the facts. green of the new foliage. Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both have I gained?" lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "What will you say?" and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me have not had my rubber." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'Why that?' I asks. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of "I was sure that I might rely on you." where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense into the bag, and made for the door. "To an English lawyer named Norton." "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. miles off. "Yes?" and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child "Which are?" than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "No?" "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." window when the police appeared." be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "And sit in the dark?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all have one." madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' of his shoulders. "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. Cross for the Continent." all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a