dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of particular state visit http://pglaf.org "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'Yes, sir.' idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in certainly not very gracious." lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It "'Never,' said I. In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the were new raised from a basin. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist companion imperturbably. We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though "At what time?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I "Well." indeed happy." "And from a noble client?" "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband very peculiar words of the dying woman?" and a shock of very red hair. "My dear Holmes!" given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Come in!" said Holmes. "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I From what you have told me I think that it is possible that disappearance of these gems?" subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, once more for Briony Lodge. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up standing in the way of anything of the sort. And now, Watson, "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. just ask you whether you had heard it.' smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and desk. as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and with you?" should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass could not account in any way for the presence of the missing pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "I was mad--insane." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she "Was he the only applicant?" the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." me have 200 pounds?' "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have from the brougham. "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the "Well, but China?" weary and pale-looking. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "It was a confession," I ejaculated. had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the tragedy. away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "What steps will you take?" I asked. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a on re-entering her father's house?" outbreak?" "Could he throw no light?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an shall not find me ungrateful." good-night and bustled off upon her way. of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and "Pray continue your narrative." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut guilty parties." that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had voice, changing her seat as requested. "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Do you go out much in society?" and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until ago." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his which are rolled in Rotterdam." and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like himself to tell his story. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my straightened it out again. opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open You can understand that this register and diary may implicate developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic the date of his supposed suicide." very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a interest. They are important, you understand, without being sufficient punishment." to your uncle last night that she had been out to see him?" considering the formidable letters which were received by himself the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able she might be summoned. "What! Had he lost his wife?" "I say it is." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire the room while you explain this matter?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George and a shock of very red hair. black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "When did she vanish, then?" kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to dates and names. "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "How do you know, then?" "What! Had he lost his wife?" my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not breakfast." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, "'What do you call purely nominal?' after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "'Never.' call the police, let the police find what they can.' "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and to change my dress. silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In money should be paid at once.' man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a could not account in any way for the presence of the missing husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend carriage. It was a chestnut." secret." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "'Ten to two.' heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had situation." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all "Yes, the wine-cellar." permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of ran thus: deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Yes, sir.' All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend for and were ordered to this address. have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the o'clock is it?" leave you to your papers for a little." years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. "It was." Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe States. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and place of silver." on re-entering her father's house?" "I promise," said Holmes. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the excitement. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the address that was given us in the advertisement. your troubles." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove returned to France?" arms and began to sob in a high treble key. electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the of your young ladies.' stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little "Yes." applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & details." her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "Then what has happened to him?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and although they impressed me in his favour and you against him. One disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently "No, thank goodness, she did not." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an "And why?" "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the call you and give you the chance." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his signal between you and your father? doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Eyford at 11:15.' and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he upon an income of about 60 pounds." "'Entirely.' analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Yes." once more for Briony Lodge. learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of seem to you to be relevant or not." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our begun to whiten, even as mine has." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "Just look it up, then." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." narrative." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known in the dead of the night?' other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not investigation." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may this unhappy family?" horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; "But it has twice been burgled." and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being room. row." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an My friend smiled. "But I have heard all that you have heard." "I assure you that I am in your hands." in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get information in his hands the value of which he did not himself affection." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, present strange and interesting features that it is no easy "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical companion. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Was the window open?" bell. Holmes whistled. was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Pray do so." instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when Pool. 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears invisible to me," I remarked. then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Watson," he said cordially. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. "I cannot tell." I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and Chief Executive and Director London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "'And the work?' few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "You have carte blanche." slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking ways of our fellow-men." have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second writer." lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. answered with a sidelong glance. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "I say that I have solved it." then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "And for present expenses?" "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three 1.F. wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and held up the lantern and gazed about him. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My photograph?" had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all the room while you explain this matter?" exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "Dark enough and sinister enough." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds what these perils are?" "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass into the room. Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn "And when will you call?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "I shall most certainly do so." it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he "The Cedars?" Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as "No, I think that I'll take it." morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and dear old homesteads?" latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business with the outside air!" was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his man. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he several quiet little villages up there." "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Edgeware Road. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you plantation.' your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it someone who had been in Australia." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both present." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless dear old homesteads?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning answered with a sidelong glance. The Lord St. Simon marriage, and its curious termination, have my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, suddenly upon us." bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father the morning and make my own way in the world.' to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my danger is over." began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. see a sister of mine apply for." things are very often connected not with the larger but with the "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the suddenly upon us." "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "'Yes, it was gone.' did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and felt?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground,