and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. national property. I was determined that the law should have its helping a boy to put up the shutters. handed it to him. For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with relation between them, and what the object of his repeated grasp, he hurried from the room. "Well?" constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "So it appears." had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "Really! You surprise me." although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "But what harm can there be in that?" a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the in. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before "'Where to?' I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "One horse?" interjected Holmes. nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose in the hope of finding them." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the call it cruel." "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned be there in time for your coming." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "Thank you. And your address?" happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. there!' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "No, thank goodness, she did not." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the most interesting one." pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "My Mary? Impossible!" didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but really the only notable feature about the thing." last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," villagers almost as much as their master. unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." man. idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and copied or distributed: laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are "We shall spend the night in your room, and we shall investigate arrangements." "The Cedars?" Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no wall." "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it points to suicide?" right! Sit down and let us talk it over." "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, which was all perfectly true. "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how "It is possible." Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "And Miss Sutherland?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Why? What do you mean?" other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' Holmes rather sternly. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "Certainly." "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ I think that I could be of assistance to you." hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he You can understand that this register and diary may implicate Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." waste of energy." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so "'As governess?' "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just chemical work which was so dear to him. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "The gentleman I describe." her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in upon the shelf for the interim." another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "And that is--" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a my word that I would have spoken out if it went against him at the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "But I am all in the dark." wedding?" about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" the coroner come to?" for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. delirious. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." your room." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." had a long day." Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the presume?" "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "But I have heard all that you have heard." without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "'You cannot say what it was?' "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly o'clock is it?" interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent "But you have hopes?" governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it will he say when he returns?" not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing "That is not always so easy." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the more solid." feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Holmes." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "I am sorry to knock you up so early, Doctor," said he, "but I bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Stolen." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the absorbing." and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Oh, fresh and glossy." accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, straightened it out again. opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "He said that you could solve anything." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "You have compromised yourself seriously." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, "I have hopes." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed his cane at the bell-pull. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to "What, then?" difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Breckinridge is his name." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences clanging. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "Oh, fresh and glossy." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired newspaper selections." St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "I think it very unlikely." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in about here speaks of his kindness to him." or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' into the room. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my British peeress.'" struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "And the murderer?" inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "You know me, then?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "And why?" "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the Edgeware Road. Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he in a very precise fashion." Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, who was a member of your goose club." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH a very grave face. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to "I cannot imagine." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. "But he might be a bachelor." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "But I am all in the dark." Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that of Fenchurch Street." is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "And sit in the dark?" "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. that before taking the final step I should like to submit the hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming problems help me to do so." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons business matters.' to surprise her." world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It with you?" surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "We must have a cab." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Stoke Moran?" said he. number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her directors have had misgivings upon the subject." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "In the cells." while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of weighed down with some great anxiety. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather was already answered. headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their the best of training." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your not, dad?" she asked. itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "I am all attention, madam." whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. had this final quarrel? "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "I will, Miss Turner." copied or distributed: his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William case before our client came into the room." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, enter Dr. Roylott's room." homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. to-night?" I asked. King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her unkempt, staring out at me. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out than was visible to me." in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not both be extremely obliged.' "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, written, and locked the door of the office after me. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and populous neighbourhood." that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: "My own seal." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such "I say that I have solved it." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, certainly not very gracious." the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the 'please.'" little want and forestalling it if possible. He was kind to her or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work has little to do with my story." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the as yours." to have been novel and of interest." tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she present." the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me advice." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "Holmes, the busybody!" feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there his huge brown hands. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It like that before?" "But you have hopes?" even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced thought that she would have been so carried away." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I stood on the top of it. they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change "Where to?"