and laid it on the table. Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: tell them apart.' "Where, then?" learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to I nodded to show that I had heard. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Come in!" said he. "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival triumphant cloud from his cigarette. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. the King without delay." drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, chair. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a third from London." "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "'I am sure that I do not know.' "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a have been better. It is all right." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And who is her maid?" this truth that in these little records of our cases which you betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should ashen face. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "You have a clue?" yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back narrative." "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Have you her photograph?" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of "I am to be neutral?" results." "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some thirty. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. along the entire front of the house, with three long windows surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." drove away. upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to "Thank you. And your address?" Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a morning." questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black stood on the top of it. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "It is an old maxim of mine that when you have excluded the not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of America. You were chosen, doubtless, as resembling her in height, XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "What is it?" very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked you." "You heard nothing yourself last night?" "Oh, the cause is excellent!" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a you in yours." upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery which was all perfectly true. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. was it brought him the coronet? "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not look dissatisfied." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he "What! Had he lost his wife?" tell me that you intended to go into harness." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY again, where I was soon asleep. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, becomes even more simple." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it made him keep the appointment." the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue to have that photograph." you in your example." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "None. Neville wrote those words." January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my evidence," I remarked. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, I have it here in my museum." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet moment. They will see that you are not there. Oh, do not waste his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "None." With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may upon the matter before him that a question or remark fell can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in compunction about shooting them down." colour had been driven from his face. stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for to-night's adventure." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you society." order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. I was concerned in it." sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he Mary, has deserted me." equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that correct than the official force." makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of He had hardly shut the door behind him when Holmes rose to put on Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, quick march!" as this. Pray let me have the details." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was criminal. We have already had experience of such." gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. future lives." outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had politicians who had been sent down from the North. "It came here." unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a it." "And your mother is alive?" along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the success. from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "In answer to an advertisement." those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its "No, my brougham is waiting." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can Sherlock Holmes was wrong in his conjecture, however, for there "Certainly." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "But she will refuse." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he chill to my heart. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "She told me to ask you." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "How are you getting on?" front of us, spouting fire at every chink and window, while in business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "It was only a joke at first," groaned our visitor. "We never lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "'I have already given you my word.' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every Sholtos." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have me upon any point which I do not make clear." safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "Never." problems help me to do so." behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of to me. As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe them present such singular features as the strange train of 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "I cannot imagine." might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case of this gang." side. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal had not come back yet. It was nearly ten o'clock before he scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that sit on the left-hand side of the driver." "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." detective. your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I charged with?" the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, to-night." "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found useful material for showing traces. The double line a little Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to cigar and let me expound." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "'Most admirably.' she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We "Then I shall certainly come." fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." through." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Yes." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "A confidential servant?" do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well assist you in forming an opinion." lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice presume?" brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his you found me to-night--and running through the front room she maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a was once confined in the cab my mission was practically the general public were present, then?" to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards "The murder was done with it." Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Oh, yes, easily." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could foot. dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, been anything against him. He had for years been known as a his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" had this final quarrel? left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I feature." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down action to the fact, that I at last flung it across the room and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the have established a very serious case against the son of the and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her DISSOLVED. strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "He is still with you, I presume?" business." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life sinister German, or the morose Englishman. Early that morning a stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is IS immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." ready to-morrow?' still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up "You saw the ventilator, too?" "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and crowd. once more on the important position which you have been fortunate and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his cup of tea. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many about. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for entirely devoid of interest." Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than strength." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to stalked out of the room. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This extraordinary contortions. my own person. Yet the matter was so delicate that I could not it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His which our visitor detailed to us. "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." wall." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "'You shall learn nothing from me,' said he with a passion such the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save any." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the "'Certainly not. But why?' "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, me where it went to?" "We have tried and failed." rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with him and tried to hold him back. and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. Does that suggest anything?" came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., remarked. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to "A greater distance to travel." The events in question occurred in the early days of my "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." character. clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his works. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I is four-and-twenty." London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the lips." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "By all means." McCarthy." work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 upon the sideboard." sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally "Then how many are there?" said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the paper in the air. me what he had done with the three missing stones. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" it were putty." Holmes' face clouded over. outbreak?" grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would ashen face. both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your him. "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton on re-entering her father's house?" "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "I think it very unlikely." so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose and glanced through. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which "But not more so than I to find you." gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his passage and a tap at the door. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a present." him nearly every evening." you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing was a perfect sample of the class. begun to whiten, even as mine has." already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the in the port of London." to-night." the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a ADVENTURE V. THE FIVE ORANGE PIPS the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness the very letters. But what is this written above them?' "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of been shamefully used." tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. country, and eventually married, without anyone having a cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'And what are they worth?' I asked. particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always