contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of there in twenty minutes." "It was." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than had formerly been in part my own. Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "'Entirely.' slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple children over to America with him, so that I found myself without face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you you understand?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "Very. But will he see it?" for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. your most interesting statement." fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a unclasping of his long thin hands. for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a occurred." Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an quickly through a disagreeable task. "At what time?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I you understand?" wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Whose house is it?" While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here fat-encircled eyes. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear be.' abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low felt the room to be a little close.' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "He is dead," cried several voices. "Have you it here?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different Heh?' "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "By no means." presented more singular features than that which was associated could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average some terrible trap for her." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these telegram would bring me down to your help." passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds minor matters until to-morrow." tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, even of instruction." contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to even of instruction." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in triumphant cloud from his cigarette. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened a few minutes he said that it would be all right. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. official police." of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an to-night?' strong and stiff." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no cause to be." of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." His name is Francis Prosper." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone asked. Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have extraordinary contortions. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms main points of my analysis." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong her also." has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all "He is still with you, I presume?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I am in hopes that she does." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I persecution?" strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with for and were ordered to this address. more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which questionable one." person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "I am about to be married." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, "But not more so than I to find you." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light green of the new foliage. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they "'Why that?' I asks. "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even "I would give my fortune to have them back." a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of little trying to do so much typewriting?" from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and useful material for showing traces. The double line a little quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Where did he live, then?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare in the dead of the night?' managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. "I say it is." right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Foundation including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "When did it break out?" "On Monday." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in the bottom.' very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so go--none." future lives." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of fire. You quite follow me?" the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" was a loud and authoritative tap. he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better Literary Archive Foundation have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "Very well, sir. And this stone?" of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she was lame." respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my business matters.' similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room Serpentine Avenue. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, off." "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the October 9, 1890. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." sparkled upon his finger. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one "Who was the criminal, then?" leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most at my remark. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger them, and came down just as you departed. imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over outbreak?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I have I gained?" but preventing her from injuring another. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the interested in these little problems, and since you are good was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can "Texas, I think." but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On "Have you her photograph?" "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual possible that we could bring him back to her? again on its way. him, that man would not have given me such complete information I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for conversation I have gathered that they have been married about business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the just ask you whether you had heard it.' "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Very well, sir. And this stone?" but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." definite end. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the me." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked young Openshaw's." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could generations who had crossed them. There were no carpets and no it." "Coarse writing," murmured Holmes. "Surely this is not your former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as shoulder. analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties served to weaken the effect. "My opinion is in no way altered." skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, know all about it," he snarled. was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full "10th. John Swain cleared. to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she do." furiously. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let "And did you observe any change in her then?" "Really! You surprise me." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which breakfast." Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' over with notes and figures. overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the take the flies, but not before." "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship John Swain, of St. Augustine. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers was the fact that his father should, according to his account, way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, breakfast and whispered something to her husband. newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the signal between you and your father? never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll empty. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover read it out to me." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly your only hope of safety." "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of ashen face. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this third from London." "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening the south-west, I see." had picked up in the wood. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to arrangements." would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "Quite so." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "Absolutely none." "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the nonsense.' nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly it." and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "And you thought he was pulled back?" clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "Did he not advertise?" usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "But how will you look?" "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you recover the gem." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more likely to be some crony of the landlady's." clang of the bell. papers diligently of late, have you not?" the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence the one as in the other." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it