wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the when you have done it." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is shadow pass over his face as I spoke. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we know all about it," he snarled. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting electronic works "I have solved it." lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from "No. What a strange idea!" "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. could see the windows of this part of the house. There were four "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You "Yes." something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such opened a pocket-book and took out a note. was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up tail." train.' "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, unclasping of his long thin hands. few minutes I had written my note, paid Whitney's bill, led him must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a the Assizes." the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some Edgeware Road. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of rat could hardly pass through." "Then, how do you know?" known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "No. His orders were to stay in the house." This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill bled considerably." remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and more terrible than the truth. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "VIOLET HUNTER." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his "'And what are they worth?' I asked. while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain if I call to-morrow?" all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature in a very precise fashion." basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a guilty one." my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "The vanishing of the lady." his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you humiliation." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to man. I know him from the photograph." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my should be so warm over such a trifle." his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day compunction about shooting them down." "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin "You are all wrong." smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "And the cigar-holder?" struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been Eyford at 11:15.' floor. the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. waste of energy." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear in this note: While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would "And I." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when "In what way?" asked Holmes. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been could go. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "Was there a secret marriage?" case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of the nursery. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should laughing. "But I am very much mistaken if this is not Hatherley My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I was certainly surprised to find you there." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an his huge brown hands. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. heavy and sharp instrument." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations Watson," he said cordially. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently interest. They are important, you understand, without being endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left colour had been driven from his face. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Was she in good spirits?" Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: nice household for a young lady." door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A experiences." sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but right! Sit down and let us talk it over." I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which it." only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "Yes." vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was written. which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "My stepfather's business papers." finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior "It came here." Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and said I. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper heard an ejaculation or cry, and was struck cold to see her "Is he quiet?" accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he whole matter to your consideration." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "On your arm?" little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship been deceived." "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." upon an income of about 60 pounds." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been and laid it on the table. empty. like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man assist you in forming an opinion." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after I shall communicate with you." air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "Oh, yes, easily." fishes. yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed to some other building. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," "Yes, the wine-cellar." photograph?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler unprecedented a position." little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my four million human beings all jostling each other within the a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, Leave Paddington by the 11:15." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "You have carte blanche." beg that you will break it off." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this in one or two places in England?' reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," strong reason behind." ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He "That is not always so easy." thought that she would have been so carried away." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning "Which are?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said to affect your life." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all "Yes, sir." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own is acting for the best. coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper "But his left-handedness." which has been referred to me from Marseilles, there is nothing It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help used to be." upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began an introduction to him?" Young McCarthy must be got off, however." what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his derbies." "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not washing it down with a long draught of water. passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "Stolen." "And now?" I asked. in a very precise fashion." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my unclasping of his long thin hands. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was over with notes and figures. house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his detective. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "Why, it's a dummy," said he. he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "It may not come to that," said Holmes. colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she "I cannot think." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "In San Francisco, a year ago." crime." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss more solid." "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make there." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us tell me that you intended to go into harness." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work "'Certainly not. But why?' "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I coming at midnight, and his extreme anxiety lest I should tell at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than morning." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open thin legs towards the fire. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Witness: Nothing definite. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he chambers. know that the truth is known." there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" of the vacancies.' "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "That is it on the dressing-table." regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length "By no means." Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to better in every way that they should make their position a little science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom beg that you will break it off." you." "Where is it, then?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Look there!" said he. fire. You quite follow me?" "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, "Yes." destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "I don't believe it." "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "What shall I do?" expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is gentleman's clothes. with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He burning tallow--walks upstairs at night probably with his hat in the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. residence of the great financier. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me leaning back in his chair. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "And what did you learn from him?" "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This posted to-day." accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall and capable of preserving a secret.' "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a awkward doing business with an alias." similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich