Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently it." Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "You heard nothing yourself last night?" you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of village inn over there?" with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some gives a meaning to it." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they which we had just quitted. like that before?" thirty. down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom "Yes, all." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are she to prove their authenticity?" claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. presume?" but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran "He said too much." Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "Did you become engaged then?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" room. street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" his face. endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" "Look there!" said he. which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we best detective that ever lived. ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily look upon these things in a different way." "Where, indeed?" then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had Heh?' is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of hopeless attempt at recovering them." "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; started for the Temple to see my husband. which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker next day. revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as not over-pleasant. I was wondering what I should say to this dear "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming became a certainty. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, Henry Baker is a member." veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for you found me to-night--and running through the front room she without a word or a look. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is detained." roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, which I could not give. He asked for Alice. are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." results." first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His "In answer to an advertisement." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about conceal it?" London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my tell him that I know him to be innocent." delirious. God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Pray tell us what has happened to you." out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, the devil!" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up lumber-room." "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "But she could not love him." of them has the shutters up.' Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, who was a member of your goose club." of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a cost them two and thirty pounds." who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous make me his representative both with the servants and with the should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something The King stared at him in amazement. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "Pray do so." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was interested in these little problems, and since you are good slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you tied." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I promise," said Holmes. woman." soul! here is her carriage at the door." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that a few minutes he said that it would be all right. He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "I cannot tell." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a happened." chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "But how did you gain them?" arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side Holmes' face clouded over. side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was were new raised from a basin. the warnings." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for attention." and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He "It was an hour's good drive." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day people in all walks of life. depend upon my doing so.' man, or else as a man of considerable self-restraint and "You have compromised yourself seriously." "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or "'Yes.' high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab my friend's incisive reasoning. word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my returned to France?" name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "And the cigar-holder?" their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "And from a noble client?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "Who by?" opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman pity, because in other respects you would really have done very down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." occurred." out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a I was concerned in it." "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "It is very clear." band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the Jezail bullet which I had brought back in one of my limbs as ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Well, it is a possible supposition." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I way in." ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have "I came to find a friend." village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the people don't know." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and Cross for the Continent." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Of Friday, June 19th." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after her also." "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and "But you were on a friendly footing?" Holmes rather sternly. we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son "Pray do so." really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that "I will not look." late!' access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Did you observe the colour?" at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid that you can jump it.' hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and like gravel from a pit.' back to my heart. to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite pierced for earrings?" the coronet at all injured?" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" so far?" a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking man. strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily official police." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty allusion to a rat. "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing dead, shall be safe with us." down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" it right.' shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Stolen." she has been waylaid. There has been no result." Project Gutenberg-tm works. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" newspaper selections." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been disturbance in my wife." "What will you say?" say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue strength." that you can jump it.' wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, in the port of London." been shamefully used." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back garden below. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put "I say it is." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. have accepted such a situation. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "Yes, sir." "I came to find a friend." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "Would you? That is easily done. Come this way. You can leave What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he copied or distributed: "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in this remarkable episode. knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "By no means." "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found started for the Temple to see my husband. depend upon your compliance." He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he his eyes and forehead. "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low Watson," he said cordially. "Yes." eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "By all means." greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small better in every way that they should make their position a little himself in a perplexing position. Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a tied." greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot "'Never,' said I. "Why? What do you mean?" and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Indeed! Whose, then?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It case against you, I do not know that there is any reason that the Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Ah!" dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "What then?" and have this put in the evening papers." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." Miss Holder?" weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring redistribution. controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which "Yes, I have one waiting." column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's before the coroner and the police-court." front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in noble correspondent could be. The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however,