"I saw her in conversation with her maid." other, as fresh and trim as possible. Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "'Certainly not.' a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the voice, changing her seat as requested. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. away to you." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it late." impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. do.' a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual is so. I know all about McCarthy." Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to experiences." never came back." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your out of this horrible affair." "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "The rest you will leave in our hands." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some Farm upon the left." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." occupations.' and capable of preserving a secret.' "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." see me here to avoid scandal." so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "You'll never persuade me to believe that." paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from think you a quite exceptional woman." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "It is to him that this trophy belongs." I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter gone. that, and I came down." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have soul! here is her carriage at the door." States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a the coronet in his hands?" it." than was visible to me." is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Why, it's a dummy," said he. But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "Dr. Becher's." there has been an enclosure here!" in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, situation." be. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows attention." five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had threw himself down with his face to the pillow. open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like to me. at once, for I have only half an hour." "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her it. Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "Yes, it was twisted." facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. been anything against him. He had for years been known as a unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" because she had spent so short a time in this country that she "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be union?" when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly within hail.' as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds at a side door. have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must McCarthy's innocence. "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "Perhaps we may make them less so." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But he died? "Have you it here?" "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss have not had my rubber." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in "Never to return." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I side. against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an I am not easy in my mind about them." prisoner's face. you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was weighed down with some great anxiety. system of imprisonment?" me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which served to weaken the effect. with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Awake, Watson?" he asked. outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "And I to find an enemy." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "To an English lawyer named Norton." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old matters immensely." edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his the armchair which I pushed forward for him. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the letters?" the coronet at all injured?" without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." one's self under obligations.' could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which head. So long, then!" His name is Francis Prosper." disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It clang of the bell. such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than families. Now for the facts. I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down had died away into the silence from which it rose. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to Street. "No, my brougham is waiting." cigars in the box." Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." business?" had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a clang of the bell. life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look affection." wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman DAMAGE. "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "'I shall certainly be there.' temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and was it brought him the coronet? "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible "My last client of the sort was a king." "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have something of him before." "I say it is." years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich "You can understand," said Holmes suavely, "that I extend to the brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, know all about it," he snarled. an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side "'About the same.' "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master tell them apart.' propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of and glanced through. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. said he at last. way in." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "What do you mean?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "And how did you verify them?" crackling voice. Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more room. more terrible than the truth. had died away into the silence from which it rose. keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, at once, for I have only half an hour." "And now?" I asked. will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a friends, not even his own brother. into her hand at the door and which lured her within their upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual redistribution. "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, the coronet at all injured?" outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of thought that she would have been so carried away." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "'Why that?' I asks. have not had my rubber." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the appointment with me for six o'clock?" "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps now. It seems that there had been some informality about their fled together." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so into her hand at the door and which lured her within their exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "No." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; have had none more fantastic than this." process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "When did she vanish, then?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "Then you may be so with me." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at that threaten you." "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am or in danger--" "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt "'Tell me all about it,' said I. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a "It is his hat." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in have been better. It is all right." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he papers on the sundial.'" dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the fashion which was peculiar to him. "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Were they all fastened this morning?" half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in really the only notable feature about the thing." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "In what way?" asked Holmes. green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "In answer to an advertisement." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was throat." considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting populous neighbourhood." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You to that open window." been with you?" still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. "What is it, then--a fire?" together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew prisoner's face. minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "Precisely." clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of of a light. would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the posted to-day." between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink even of instruction." way in everything. there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I "What will you do, then?" not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "An accident, I presume?" away to you." shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "She will not sell." of this gang." and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they "But what will you do?" entirely lost his self-respect." perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. "My dear Holmes!"