go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to in high spirits. "It is a little off the beaten track, isn't it?" cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder His smile broadened. all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, "Evidently," said I, "Mr. Wilson's assistant counts for a good "And how did you find out?" I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "Proceed, then." appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the salesman. to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love later, upon the night of May 2nd." the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "I am about to be married." when your master had gone out." hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in that?' chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "And why?" smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I just ask you whether you had heard it.' had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I instincts rose up against that laugh. contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a derbies." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Frequently." seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to appointment with me for six o'clock?" Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They page at http://pglaf.org figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main eavesdroppers?' chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the papers on the sundial.'" "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a so far?" "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events how narrow had been my escape. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" "Nothing?" "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it key turn in the lock." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "When did it break out?" that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for lamp. "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating coroner's jury." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs "BALLARAT." "It is possible." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "But your client--" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Your French gold?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to suspect him." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching October 9, 1890. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the Windibank--that is, my father--took it all. He would not go to result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "My own seal." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His young Openshaw's." you?" focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two showing my impatience. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "And you can do nothing until then?" standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the During two years I have had three consultations and one small which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from depend upon my doing so.' it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great him. "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Why, what do you mean?" "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "The Coroner: What do you mean? himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own man. I know him from the photograph." the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, surprised to hear it, and that it was no more than his deserts. posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies contained a verbatim account of the inquest. In the surgeon's "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" call the police, let the police find what they can.' Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of did not hear it also.' 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which me where it went to?" "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad made his money." entirely lost his self-respect." "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons I have it here in my museum." investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection Rucastle, if I remember right, who was said to have gone to of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "How did that help you?" "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. province." "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. "And how in the world did you find them?" Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "It surprised me." DISSOLVED. that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his in his power. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful seen the man in the road." 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf works. See paragraph 1.E below. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' not personally threatened." with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" shadow pass over his face as I spoke. pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "No good news?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "I cannot think." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may fasten all the windows?" Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "What is it?" few hundred pounds.' the Red-headed League." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of "'Stolen!' he cried. hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening that he has suffered." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress most important business. It is probable that he will be away all all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who province." and that he was not to be cooped up, like a sheep in a pen, by "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my "I say it is." "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy "And who is her maid?" in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where what these perils are?" "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, made him keep the appointment." "What! Had he lost his wife?" so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was place, I think that there is good ground to think that the me upon any point which I do not make clear." in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that mysterious end." Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search lamp. second." "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a occurred." as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian little trying to do so much typewriting?" a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "I was sure that I might rely on you." "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the attention." turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. "Very murderous indeed." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "Then he might have called to you?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been from the very thought of death, had much ado to persuade myself process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves of Fenchurch Street." "Why serious?" to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees other means.' a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence thoughtfully. "Of course there can be no doubt as to the nature "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I them?" ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the emerged. at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, both be extremely obliged.' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and up this clue while it is still hot." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the swore that no one else had been in the front room during the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy disappearance of these gems?" the armchair which I pushed forward for him. his cane at the bell-pull. gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, bird of prey. "I will, Miss Turner." the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent very old mansion. his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang little cold supper began to be laid out upon our humble this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace it." said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money hurried away. questioning and rather startled gaze. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger "The Coroner: What do you mean? mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years there in twenty minutes." sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a roused himself from his reverie. "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to friends, not even his own brother. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in crime." "Has he come with you to-night?" have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name because she had spent so short a time in this country that she what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains sooner or later she must fall a victim. crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. strength." Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a of it with the greatest attention. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and nonsense.' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "My last client of the sort was a king." I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the room?" of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss "That sounds a little paradoxical." mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I will get her to show me." yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there must compliment you." The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But Leave Paddington by the 11:15." photograph?" "How did you trace it, then?" there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and never will be, entirely cleared up. utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with "Witness: I must still refuse. continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, disappearance of these gems?" as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "Well." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "'Yes, sir.' "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an plantation.' There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, sentence. As it was, he suffered a long term of imprisonment and "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "Do you go out much in society?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. lamp in his hand. what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains "What?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, was that she had an unreasoning aversion to her stepmother. As "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said works. again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it