better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." directors, with the result that you have seen." a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and go back?" in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads ordinary clothes on?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was introspective fashion. agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to dear old homesteads?" "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is over part of the map. "What do you read?" has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, obstinate." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." speckled band?" the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Yes." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has "And that is--" "And you don't know his address?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out "I was certainly surprised to find you there." play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "They are typewritten," I remarked. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking visitors." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite careless servant girl?" bird I ate is country bred." "'Certainly not. But why?' nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" if she died from some sudden fright." "My stepfather's business papers." "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "Was he the only applicant?" usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more "And now there is only she to be described. She is my niece; but that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we "What are they?" learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are prison!" "And from a noble client?" why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "How on earth--" be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily guilty parties." go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had ordinary clothes on?" betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would death." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to which we had just quitted. should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. good-night and bustled off upon her way. grasp, he hurried from the room. time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an mysterious end." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Texas, I think." rose-bushes. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to carpenter." well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you bed dies. Does not that strike you?" might help us?" house for five minutes.' (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we more solid." Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his Miss Holder?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I when your master had gone out." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and that before taking the final step I should like to submit the in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in envelope. Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than silent! Oh, he will be silent!' memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "'I am sure that I do not know.' "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to directors, with the result that you have seen." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he not come at once?" didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had any more." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I again before evening." "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" him!" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about the running down." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which four million human beings all jostling each other within the We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the inquest, and which are worth considering." "He said too much." legal crime." waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the events than those which have happened in my own family." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion bill, which interests me deeply." even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "How do you know, then?" suggested at once that there must be a communication between the your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram "'Is 4 pounds a week.' His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts "'I am sure that I do not know.' would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where disappearance of the bride.'" "I am about to be married." With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. look upon these things in a different way." contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his the salesman. just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, have accepted such a situation. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very outbreak?" stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the "'It is locked up,' I answered. wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Yes." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "Precisely." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have said he, "my real name is James Ryder." shall not find me ungrateful." crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From which are rolled in Rotterdam." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to his fortune, and I went back to pa. that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, constraint." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His to miss it." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter and that if I had acted differently this terrible misfortune "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a "To an English lawyer named Norton." it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it here and I will read it to you: "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see "You forget that I know nothing about it." merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "I should wish to." case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. she slowly sank and died without having recovered her *** START: FULL LICENSE *** the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey how narrow had been my escape. errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were of Mr. Rucastle's." trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "Nothing." "From his hat?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel you in yours." "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy "Nothing." roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "And is that all?" you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was Pope's Court. "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Pool. America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time him to be an active member of the medical profession." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon one of them." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De thirty. "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of in this note: quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to What do you deduce from it?" The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my Holmes. your most interesting statement." of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "How did you trace it, then?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that salesman. case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer "How often?" greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, of them has the shutters up.' could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between The note was undated, and without either signature or address. o'clock is it?" But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Do you receive much company?" he asked. time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had second." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in "An accident, I presume?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, went to the Alpha were town bred." stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently "I am following you closely," I answered. "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One roused himself from his reverie. implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a became a certainty. dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. door?" "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It child?' Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the might help us?" "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "He is dead," cried several voices. remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could "I am to be neutral?" "If I can be of use." minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as tell him that I know him to be innocent." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. "Oh, fresh and glossy." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of "Awake, Watson?" he asked. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, beg that you will break it off." "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it look dissatisfied." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure once more. opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & "What?" which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it look upon these things in a different way." no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "'Yes, sir.' two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "I shall be delighted." and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the "Who by?" "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of into her hand at the door and which lured her within their awkward doing business with an alias." British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. shall not find me ungrateful." B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "In San Francisco, a year ago." you." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a sit on the left-hand side of the driver." from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the details." with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in leather-leggings which he wore in deference to his rustic again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might business." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he of Fenchurch Street." "Very. But will he see it?" that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as his knees, staring into the fire. a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled "Absolutely?" three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what to talk it over. I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very transparent a device for obtaining a note as the dropping of a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late the side-table." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Very. But will he see it?" "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at obstinate." pierced for earrings?" sofa. This way, please!" face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the his grey eyes. "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this Count Von Kramm." through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "Perhaps we may make them less so." legal crime." presented more singular features than that which was associated been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in them?" butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under