conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself disappearance of the bride.'" have one." occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master dead, shall be safe with us." you for a few hours?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'In my own bureau.' "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "How long did she speak to this Alice?" "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just fashion which was peculiar to him. our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in You want to know what became of those geese?" "What steps will you take?" I asked. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Yes, it would be as well." I nodded to show that I had heard. chemical work which was so dear to him. into the bag, and made for the door. on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Not I." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight chemical work which was so dear to him. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause think you a quite exceptional woman." weary and pale-looking. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm these bleak autumnal evenings." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so wedding?" conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "No." age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for empty. "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from you, Miss Hunter, for falling in with our whims so far as to cut "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there suggested at once that there must be a communication between the from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. bill, which interests me deeply." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "'And what are they worth?' I asked. he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" and a shock of very red hair. bachelor.' papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely here and I will read it to you: which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! photograph?" Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who directors, with the result that you have seen." the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which tapping his fingers upon the table. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From could not account in any way for the presence of the missing "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed SEND DONATIONS or determine the status of compliance for any to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, that I can to serve you." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to and laid it on the table. tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." name is different." done what I asked you, Jones?" room had already been engaged for us. have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not in a friendly supper." away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or "Where, indeed?" inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to furiously. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and the table and went her way, with a promise to come again whenever "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon until night should bring an explanation. extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "I promise," said Holmes. "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means place, I think that there is good ground to think that the he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, was the fact that his father should, according to his account, man. I know him from the photograph." "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his held up the lantern and gazed about him. do." "In answer to an advertisement." Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "She will not sell." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, said he, "my real name is James Ryder." eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Your presence might be invaluable." Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. both be extremely obliged.' mystery!" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, noting anything else of interest. my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may other, as fresh and trim as possible. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting cigars in the box." "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but "'How far from the body?' following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my place of silver." send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, characteristics, but those are the more obvious." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front however, seeing perhaps the look of incredulity upon my face, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." examine." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, have I gained?" some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. it. been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City I took the paper from him and read as follows: Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had Where does the thing come from?' in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, there in twenty minutes." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should "The decline of his fortunes, then?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "Very sorry to knock you up, Watson," said he, "but it's the some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town redistribution. "Give me a pencil and that slip of paper. Now, then: 'Found at done what I asked you, Jones?" King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Witness: I must still refuse. "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet from you?" similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my and have used the machine to form the amalgam which has taken the confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you evidence," I remarked. hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter carriage. It was a chestnut." "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must characteristics, but those are the more obvious." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether constraint." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you "Yes." savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much "Yes." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free a little more before I quite committed myself. States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Well." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know "I am armed." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not extra couple of hundred would have been very handy. middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman opportunities to fix the problem. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our bell. Holmes whistled. "The decline of his fortunes, then?" again before evening." "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a formed some opinion?" house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "How did you trace it, then?" "Yes, there are nearly always some there." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we foresight and the moral retrogression?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass that I can to serve you." Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some "She showed me, as I told you she would." with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A chance." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the that I can to serve you." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. formed some opinion?" you found me to-night--and running through the front room she IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a "Will you go?" tied." Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for intrusion of other matters." "Not social, then?" unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the the ceiling. us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw burst out into a roar of laughter. "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" of this gang." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the your only hope of safety." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a for securing the situation." instituted." to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a character. turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "That you are never beaten." orange pips. the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. used to be." and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been hurried away. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper the address that was given us in the advertisement. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and to talk it over. "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his companion. January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "You have a clue?" keep the flames under. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must you?' side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this http://pglaf.org/fundraising. Contributions to the Project Gutenberg he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "My photograph." my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "At what time?" I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I bed dies. Does not that strike you?" showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and criminal. We have already had experience of such." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of towards the blaze. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in papers must be those that are destroyed.' "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Texas, I think." It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I look upon these things in a different way." slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose any more." over part of the map. "What do you read?" mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of