your most interesting statement." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled which was all perfectly true. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "At what time?" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most "But she will refuse." "None." as well for his resolution, perhaps, for her pleading face was "I have a cab outside." sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the look upon these things in a different way." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one butcher's cleaver in the other. I rushed across the bedroom, off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to Stoke Moran." shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had of." "Yes." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser waste of energy." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. interests were the same as his." "You have carte blanche." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his the stones. 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "That is unusual in a young girl." He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "Not particularly." pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the weighed down with some great anxiety. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return and prosperity to your house. Good-night." than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular business came to an end." ashen face. "Then how many are there?" the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no nights." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "Thank you. And your address?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I being in the central block of the buildings. Of these bedrooms you for a few hours?" strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless "Yes, it would be as well." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with your billet.' "What of the rat, then?" "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." vanished into the darkness. legal crime." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in me where it went to?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your approach us with offers to donate. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was "What of the rat, then?" Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a bird of prey. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great main points of my analysis." characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked that you saw all that I did." writers could invent nothing more crude." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready your troubles." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." gentle as a woman could be. She is my right hand. I do not know admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from for and were ordered to this address. St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which became a certainty. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Which are?" clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to him!" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "'Never,' said I. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Where to?" examine." Clair, of Lee." "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with perceive that in your bedroom the window is upon the right-hand seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by it with his own hands." anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the straightened it out again. God! What an exposure! What can I do?" "No. What a strange idea!" fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can do.' of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there "Game for a morning drive?" own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Certainly." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us been anything against him. He had for years been known as a of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Perhaps we may make them less so." "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all the nursery. papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and your own bird, so if you wish--" enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of "What can you not understand?" myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "You have carte blanche." likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that The summons was a brief and urgent one. photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client ashen face. permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in wedding?" strength in the others." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That Holmes' face clouded over. him to go away.' despair." to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "You heard nothing yourself last night?" would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "Absolutely none." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "It is a murder, then?" face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was Chief Executive and Director place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's official police." what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. obstinate." own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that fish-monger and a tide-waiter." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant becomes even more simple." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles a monotonous occupation." His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to over part of the map. "What do you read?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "Ha! you find it so?" which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any comes from the middle window." male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had it." out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our which was all perfectly true. The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "What can you not understand?" "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout been shamefully used." some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of wedding?" or in danger--" "But I have heard all that you have heard." the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the until night should bring an explanation. yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this meant it for the best. of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the do you make of it all?" better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last your co-operation." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is passage, and I saw the lean figure of Colonel Lysander Stark dear old homesteads?" accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this as yours." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I your co-operation." his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. minor matters until to-morrow." very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into trying to your nerves." Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I know where it is." answered with a sidelong glance. "I cannot imagine." corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took you came in." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "But how did you gain them?" DAMAGE. found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "Precisely." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Certainly. You will find me at the Langham under the name of the was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, beside him, curious to learn what this new quest might be which was the fact that his father should, according to his account, bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up even of instruction." Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the next day. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "It must be recovered." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is "Pray do so." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of the bottom.' research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "I shall be delighted." was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "He can't lie in the street. May we bring him in, marm?" whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I "'Entirely.' make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Yes, that is the Crown." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "Then I can wait in the next room." bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "10th. John Swain cleared. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "That also I could fathom." mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my window when the police appeared." would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and go back?" down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. all-comprehensive glances. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a noting anything else of interest. appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she "About a month then." as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his and files of the old papers, following the future career of every Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt relieve his pain. We were all assembled round him when the door "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. derbies." "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his friends, not even his own brother. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "I would give my fortune to have them back." inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, stepfather?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you should be taken.' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was key of the affair now." "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided absolutely follow my advice in every respect." is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." "You forget that I know nothing about it." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the during that time.' brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "And I." clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant