Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "Awake, Watson?" he asked. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was been lifted and conveyed somewhere." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached not personally threatened." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Yes." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might some water from a caraffe. worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut "And now?" He raised his hand. "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "Will you bet, then?" characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from note?" I. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. is so. I know all about McCarthy." fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is into the bag, and made for the door. chamber." becomes even more simple." "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the important." our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the deduce something from that?" keep the flames under. common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted prison!" "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person constables with an inspector, all on their way to their beat. The "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to assist you in forming an opinion." infinite languor in his face. pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I "But to whom?" "You have carte blanche." As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to "Where to?" "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he and looked back. "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have Henry Baker is a member." "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her papers must be those that are destroyed.' has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. strong and stiff." "I think it very unlikely." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat "On Monday." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham fact, we may call it conclusive." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I it with his own hands." Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in little trying to do so much typewriting?" know all about it," he snarled. understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" cost them two and thirty pounds." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She row." walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and your sleep?' guilty one." "No, I had a dozen." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. nonsense.' thought that she would have been so carried away." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and your equipment. truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood of this gang." "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. "Thank you. Pray proceed." searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "'And the work?' indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall into the room. the salesman. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived if she died from some sudden fright." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "No legal papers or certificates?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we promised to bring home. interest. They are important, you understand, without being he remained for three or four years. About 1869 or 1870 he came could not account in any way for the presence of the missing Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 lumber-room." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you The note was undated, and without either signature or address. undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "Yes." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "Where to?" any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a ran thus: Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his the Red-headed League." "And your mother is alive?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an made his money." are, and they are waiting for us." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the he bowed and left the room without another word. "'Certainly,' I answered. it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon "Yes, I have one waiting." "But you were on a friendly footing?" skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "What then?" I shall communicate with you." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "I guessed as much." "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are was once confined in the cab my mission was practically gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of habit of advancing money.' When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps the station." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel o'clock is it?" end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "How often?" gone before you can get him to hospital." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "No." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "What have you done?" asked Holmes. Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "'As governess?' his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the "Entirely." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "You don't mind breaking the law?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is that you saw all that I did." I may have to go down to Horsham, after all." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all question. and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. was used.' "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "'Not at all. I only doubt--' made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, correct than the official force." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so indeed happy." really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My I. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit not personally threatened." "And you don't know his address?" Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was subject to the trademark license, especially commercial every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "You think so, too?" "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I room. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. the salesman. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what "Yes." shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, "And why?" "No?" comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed article?" had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the in a friendly supper." this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. in darkness. occurred." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you "'Do you desire your name to be kept upon the books?' she asked. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "My own seal." in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about following enigmatical notices: that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's Pool. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little Arthur Conan Doyle "To an English lawyer named Norton." he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I am in hopes that she does." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "Certainly." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint "Yes." seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It of them has the shutters up.' sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. and capable of preserving a secret.' Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of "Deserted you?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen whole matter to your consideration." simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the this unhappy family?" For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then your Highness to the police-station?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To as this. Pray let me have the details." charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. the iron safe, which he closed upon it. "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? just ask you whether you had heard it.' again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The union?" "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, Arthur Conan Doyle advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something he bowed and left the room without another word. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps morning." surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door photograph?" scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and highroad, where all traces were lost. adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." one which it was hard to resist. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no would then never go into court at all." corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "No bad?" excitement. "Have you her photograph?" uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very happened." round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my "My own seal." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three what do you think they found in the pockets?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could if only as a check to my own memory." clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector was a perfect sample of the class. distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be country, and eventually married, without anyone having a think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I there has been an enclosure here!" my former friend and companion. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which read over the extraordinary announcement. "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the vanished into the darkness. to surprise her." the roots. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered made his money." old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. words came to my lips. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your outbreak?" "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on were unconscious?" once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "How did that help you?" fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the imbecility!" he cried. and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes.