and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Ten will be early enough." age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the brought there to personate someone, and the real person is for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a waste of energy." followed. very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, "My dear Holmes!" profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." was lame." "We must sit without light. He would see it through the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit may have an influence upon European history." Heh?' "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "No, my brougham is waiting." was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. wanted for ourselves." II. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" prisoner's face. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in I nodded again. a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "I see no marks." going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of and a shock of very red hair. Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "'Then let me do so?' of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I secret." "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your pierced for earrings?" developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told not use it unless it is absolutely needed." that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that "Yes." desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Ah, Bradstreet, how are you?" A tall, stout official had come him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." to you." it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very was once confined in the cab my mission was practically than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the "By all means." "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and about. information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "I will do it." and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with "I am sure." faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming careless servant girl?" With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a a good hundred miles off by now." herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through and all of them with the keenest interest. "'Certainly,' I answered. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my there!' may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." "'I have already given you my word.' "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of even of instruction." metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "You don't mind breaking the law?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Indeed! Whose, then?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "Nothing?" your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "A confidential servant?" Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he that threaten you." "You know me, then?" exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been eavesdroppers?' once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I "His face fell immediately. "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are or in danger--" PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their himself to hunt down. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out experiences." "So I have heard." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" ourselves in the office." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each not fit the lock." asked with his eyes open. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally "There is the writing." it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an joking. themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his learned something! Where are the gems?" "That is unusual in a young girl." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "I am armed." with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "That's no good." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" that I may have something better before very many minutes are them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is of them has the shutters up.' making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so strength." forecastle of an emigrant ship. suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of than was visible to me." his grey eyes. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "So I heard. You have him here?" "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much him, that man would not have given me such complete information that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By a suggestive one." "Well." for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very "The doctor?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which page at http://pglaf.org no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in him to be an active member of the medical profession." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in most interesting one." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the husband's writing, madam." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will "Then the page we have seen--" give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the ago." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same made him keep the appointment." "I have hopes." professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very "Witness: I must still refuse. ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend of the one which your family is now devouring." river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project cigars in their mouths. from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." "I was certainly surprised to find you there." the one as in the other." outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'I have heard so.' The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "The best possible." read over the extraordinary announcement. "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from danger is over." built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock rose-bushes. the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'Most admirably.' criminal. We have already had experience of such." office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see lips." initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what "And help." should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' man. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and impression behind it as though a window had gently closed weapon." been." "What will you say?" and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll depend upon my doing so.' to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas fear." day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "My dear Holmes!" force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Very. But will he see it?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to on in his house." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Edgeware Road. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly conversation I have gathered that they have been married about diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, Munro.' finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into instituted." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning rose-bushes. that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I "Pray do so." his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. imbecility!" he cried. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "And did you observe any change in her then?" music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes and it need not interfere very much with one's other why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his this as likely?" "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully and glanced through. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg "'I shall certainly be there.' aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "No, I had a dozen." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his "In what way?" asked Holmes. Henry Baker is a member." do.' pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my the room while you explain this matter?" Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, second window is the one that I jumped from." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A His name is Francis Prosper." with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while presented more singular features than that which was associated deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "Won't it ring?" doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I yet." was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me him. in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and been anything against him. He had for years been known as a to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "But she will refuse." "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "No bad?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to disappearance of these gems?" "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "Very much so." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the with the outside air!" could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said because she had spent so short a time in this country that she reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "On Monday." the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "My dear Holmes!" to come to my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, before you go to the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and "Deserted you?" I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal questioning gaze, and then, pressing my hand in a cold, dank returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "Yes, certainly." deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It description of Mr. Hosmer Angel?" who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where in this way: laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from should be so warm over such a trifle." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, the window, rose as we entered. gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land and looked back. "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. breakfast?" it." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to to his chemical studies. "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story ashen face. "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long with great intensity. The country roads seem to be not very good "Pray tell us what has happened to you." ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To have had none more fantastic than this." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is "Dark enough and sinister enough." wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in that you wished to speak to me?' have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered have accepted such a situation. "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for "She showed me, as I told you she would." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm open." have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this feature." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the over with notes and figures. "How can you tell that?" said he at last. "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him.