which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "And why?" "'Is 4 pounds a week.' keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with said I. "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all round with crates and massive boxes. Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "How did you trace it, then?" bears upon the case?" chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some IS Again Holmes raved in the air. play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon "That was it, sir." home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no mysterious business." always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It that I can to serve you." which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, was feeling which was the fattest.' strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "'Yes, it was gone.' "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "No sign of it?" "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to noble correspondent could be. Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" meant it for the best. 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer guilty parties." I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and simple cases which are so extremely difficult." work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "I shall most certainly do so." I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "How can you tell that?" staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when "Just look it up, then." evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "Bought." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." for the market.' through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending plantation.' ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. who was a member of your goose club." rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, "It is his hat." was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "Why did you beat the pavement?" "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "In what way?" asked Holmes. "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry walking." morning." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "But the mystery?" fishes. charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of criminal. We have already had experience of such." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my in him." and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "Ample." you for a few hours?" our word." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" second." so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Yes, that is the Crown." Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." retorted upon me, and I on you." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of "That you are never beaten." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand man. I know him from the photograph." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for "Yes, from Horsham." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR Mary, has deserted me." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in before the coroner and the police-court." here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the salesman. prisoner's face. He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who "Yes." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly "I don't say that. Perhaps." God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Miss Holder?" absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey rooms." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "But you can know nothing of this?" the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant they have decoyed him down there? The Embankment is not on the has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "I cannot imagine." would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear you do it in twenty minutes!' much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they this truth that in these little records of our cases which you will not take me long to tell. the roots. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so new duties?' "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the inner apartment." "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door chance at all." rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a straightened it out again. once more for Briony Lodge. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "The King of Scandinavia." permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At is," said he presently: "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "Yes." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' so far?" untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," call the police, let the police find what they can.' over with notes and figures. wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a Countess of Morcar's?" frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman you?' "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." that there was nothing in it, after all." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I grasp, he hurried from the room. "Ah!" as he remarks, very much against the son." some city in a dream. "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "One?" it." notes," he said. the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in cause to be." I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as should be taken.' master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel village inn over there?" "Deserted you?" dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began words came to my lips. "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then "When did she vanish, then?" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of father's place of business?" eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been "Holmes, the busybody!" "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "My Mary? Impossible!" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we His smile broadened. "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a nice household for a young lady." them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land it? Did I buy the geese off you?" to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version hurried from the room as impulsively as she had entered, and we IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out character. down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned nights." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting "Not him." "You did not overhear what they said?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "I will try. What is it?" might help us?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can noble correspondent could be. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which It may be so in this case, also." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was The events in question occurred in the early days of my asked. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of indiscretion." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at do.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their "And why?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "It is possible." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Holmes. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. is perhaps as well that the facts should now come to light, for I "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of attention at the time, and the whole of next day I was busy at same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "Come in!" said Holmes. his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "But his left-handedness." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "But you can know nothing of this?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." very old mansion. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence o'clock," it said, "a gentleman who desires to consult you upon a your sleep?' like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, "I think that I have seen now all that there is to see, Mr. Cross for the Continent." he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "One horse?" interjected Holmes. were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I "You have it, sir, just as it happened." seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship ill-usage at the hands of fortune. whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. dramatic, in fact." "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "It is possible." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere looking up at the numbers of the houses." "Precisely." too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "My photograph." Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked that I may have something better before very many minutes are "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward way: "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "What then?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "The knees of his trousers." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "'What are you doing there?' he asked. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in bill, which interests me deeply." Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who night.' said he. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes official police." us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your politicians who had been sent down from the North. makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly "I would pay ten." reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But had this final quarrel? afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who wretched boy open his mouth for all our persuasions and our "'Ample.' was already answered. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. "No." trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "May I see it?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Have you good authority for what you say?" Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" It was close upon four before the door opened, and a full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "How are you getting on?" which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the "'You cannot say what it was?' rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in "Why, it's a dummy," said he. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had