"And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any outside. "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "What, then, did Peterson do?" have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. for its centre. upon the sideboard." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I father's place of business?" and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from room?" of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" brandy and water within his reach. It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "About a month then." dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which in the hope of finding them." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private "You heard nothing yourself last night?" which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into second." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in "What! Had he lost his wife?" "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." bare slabs of marble. an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that "Absolutely?" said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, minor matters until to-morrow." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark events than those which have happened in my own family." this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Never." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he what these perils are?" Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, the armchair which I pushed forward for him. strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "And on what day did he meet his death?" attention." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your excitement. the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" and wait." attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "I cannot as yet see any connection." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. "In which, sir?" "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter congratulate you again." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to is four-and-twenty." covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with "Very. But will he see it?" assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "Was your sister dressed?" pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must "What?" "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So you for a few hours?" sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I instincts rose up against that laugh. "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me was a lad." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. you in your example." in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Ample." must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" over part of the map. "What do you read?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as likely to be some crony of the landlady's." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his Does that suggest anything?" go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Did your wife hear all this?" always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "'Certainly not. But why?' you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife weighed down with some great anxiety. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a unprecedented a position." "But what will you do?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My to go into your room and bar your shutters?" reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon used to be." fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for new duties?' "You have compromised yourself seriously." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are the inquest, and which are worth considering." good-night and bustled off upon her way. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "None." "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient astonishment. "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," clanging. at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His get the tickets." over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest nice household for a young lady." How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an which are rolled in Rotterdam." points in connection with it which never have been, and probably the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her have accepted such a situation. "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a returned to France?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended over his head with a sweet womanly caress. stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "It goes to the housekeeper's room." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Well, some hundreds of times." photograph a cabinet?" Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project "But not more so than I to find you." Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know I nodded again. "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done that, and I came down." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was for securing the situation." "May I see it?" to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the address that was given us in the advertisement. 1.F. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford indeed happy." against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of When it was concluded he settled our new acquaintance upon the Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes whole matter to your consideration." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful depend upon your compliance." Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped the warnings." There was never any mystery in the matter, though, as I said "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the "'Where to?' obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. lamp. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. Does that suggest anything?" as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young newspaper selections." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these over with notes and figures. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "She walked into the breakfast-room." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached it with his own hands." stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'You cannot say what it was?' drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. conclusions. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." Lestrade of Scotland Yard." II. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace delirious. Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever your billet.' "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and any little problem which you may submit to me." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will extraordinary contortions. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you felt?" the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to conceal it?" I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "There is the writing." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" as he remarks, very much against the son." and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers other, as fresh and trim as possible. "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from morning." ways including including checks, online payments and credit card have accepted such a situation. Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a "How on earth--" My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think discontent upon his features. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly conclusions. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "Do you know him?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "'And what are they worth?' I asked. the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you and inquire as to the address." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "'Yes, sir.' I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a face and glided from the room. "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose what these perils are?" "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love was shining brightly. "Quite so." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important the night.' "In which, sir?" of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I my special province." perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand confronted him. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "How did that help you?" second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My tell me that you intended to go into harness." self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might views." though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it him to go away.' enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a my secret was safe in his possession. McCarthy." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "You saw the ventilator, too?" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to third from London." the address that was given us in the advertisement. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes is a common subject for conversation. call the police, let the police find what they can.' free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done matters immensely." fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "How often?" come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "The vanishing of the lady." crowd. his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my room?" "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and think that any burglar could have done. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Yes." It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, face and glided from the room. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I the very letters. But what is this written above them?' events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "That is unusual in a young girl." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have humiliation." I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive infinite languor in his face. still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in her also." reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he "Yes, only one." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland that I can to serve you." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal at home. the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is