been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "Certainly." cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first for and were ordered to this address. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite one else, I think." presented which may be striking and bizarre without being address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and felt?" unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily "I don't believe it." excitement. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' hurried by. stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge "Then I shall certainly come." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and legal crime." satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. was already answered. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "And how did you verify them?" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. of campaign. forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She Holmes. "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but and effective." "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into be there in time for your coming." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased fatally injured? cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock place no limit on the sum I may draw." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and all of them with the keenest interest. "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might trifles." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but all that?" that he will be back before evening." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "I will do it." "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "You have the photograph?" she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at "You horrify me." examine." characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the from you?" hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business bird I ate is country bred." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. "Yesterday." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I galvanised. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the gone off with a man, and the man was either a lover or was a the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Get out!" said he. waste of energy." "What have you done?" asked Holmes. there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "What office?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "Have you it here?" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an weapon." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Stoke Moran?" said he. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I asked. too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. key of the affair now." help us in this matter." The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as "I fear not." his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and quickly through a disagreeable task. money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was prepare for the new role I have to play." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of most interesting one." elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the King without delay." they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is not, dad?" she asked. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "His face fell immediately. that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as Project Gutenberg-tm works. the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. exactly what you advise." everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "I was sure that I might rely on you." impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of the stones. When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "No." "Was she in good spirits?" said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "No sign of it?" have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what Holmes' thin, eager face. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "That is easily got." paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Yes." have an American origin." accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "What then?" considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down "Bought." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in "You forget that I know nothing about it." he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a to affect your life." "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Precisely so. But how--" transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner Cross for the Continent." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into mystery." "But you were on a friendly footing?" "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." in his power. unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided to a light-house. "By the same brilliant reasoning, every man's body is to be found have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind Chief Executive and Director my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "Yes." "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "You forget that I know nothing about it." his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. think that any burglar could have done. The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the "You are hungry," I remarked. brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "At the wedding breakfast." the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty meant it for the best. "How did you deduce the select?" "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. spark where all is dark to me." slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. less than 26s. 4d. who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "I cannot imagine." "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" really the only notable feature about the thing." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to in his power. "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting "Yes, it was twisted." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door conceal it?" souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. the roots. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was business?" original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. speckled band?" for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy forbidden door. running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow "Not I." thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended it." Munro.' here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "It surprised me." boots. "I think, Watson, that you are now standing in the Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is directly by questioning you." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "What have you to say now?" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and "What can you not understand?" it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' "His face fell immediately. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is have an American origin." "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Yes, it would be as well." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in and prosperity to your house. Good-night." dead, shall be safe with us." "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his point in the dark hollow of his hand. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "And how?" down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and you, my dear young lady?' hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "To an end?" very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found heavily into it. iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding more than once to break away from the dangerous company which he St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" went to the Alpha were town bred." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "You have the photograph?" parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "How do you know, then?" all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our "'What then?' I asked. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining as he remarks, very much against the son." "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, in the dead of the night?' http://gutenberg.net/license). "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no I think that I could be of assistance to you." "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "And how?" St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "It is half-past ten now." have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. fluttered off among the others. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before "What can it mean?" I gasped. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, without a word or a look. object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all "And what did you learn from him?" the devil!" have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, whereabouts. cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was interest. They are important, you understand, without being or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project Stoke Moran." your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms the bed, and you in that chair." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked awkward doing business with an alias." telegram would bring me down to your help." his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were him!" like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' for its centre. Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." 1.E.9. If you wish to charge a fee or distribute a Project Gutenberg-tm force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging other, as fresh and trim as possible. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "That's no good." it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step "Really! You surprise me." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms people don't know." points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon you, my dear young lady?' rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. tell him that I know him to be innocent." this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the