heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you Sigismond von Ormstein, Grand Duke of Cassel-Felstein, and "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. is so. I know all about McCarthy." guilty one." showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which lumber-room." "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to depend upon your compliance." said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were particularly so. I am not a very heavy sleeper, and the anxiety unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness disappearance of the bride.'" he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" carpenter." what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the the chimney. Sherlock Holmes sat moodily at one side of the I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor through." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled window when the police appeared." "I was sure that I might rely on you." of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "What, then, did Peterson do?" of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" Surrey." have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by province." morning." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must or other trace. But how on earth--" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Who by?" a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, answered with a sidelong glance. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "Will you bet, then?" for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Tired-looking or fresh?" upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the as we have been able to ascertain, amount to 88 pounds 10s., while careless servant girl?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks me." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his at my own good fortune. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out whereabouts. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but question you as to those details which seem to me to be most I was concerned in it." "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and when you have done it." was a lad." are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the results." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary public press." "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Wedlock suits you," he remarked. "I think, Watson, that you have the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." believe that I should never have any practice at all. the Assizes." "How did that help you?" had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. the matter?" "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" At three o'clock precisely I was at Baker Street, but Holmes had "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "But I am all in the dark." "He is still with you, I presume?" "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "Yes, all." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in "What then?" waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to if she died from some sudden fright." of the way of danger. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in outside." the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned grinning at my surprise, was none other than Sherlock Holmes. He the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position strong reason behind." "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, and the colonel ushered me in. "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "'In my own bureau.' spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "And that is--" "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. pictures, libraries, or plate. "'What are you doing there?' he asked. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." locked." "I guessed as much." an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some where we are going." time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique in the most complete manner one of the most determined attempts fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "No sign of it?" chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what relation between them, and what the object of his repeated "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by furiously. of note-paper. It read in this fashion: makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and "And how did he make his money?" morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. all-comprehensive glances. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the "None." more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, voice. immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," get the tickets." will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been was feeling which was the fattest.' clanging. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning at once, for I have only half an hour." for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended "But she will refuse." "By no means." cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a not interfere, come what may. You understand?" enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded or other trace. But how on earth--" his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. affection." grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in "But the mystery?" it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which "The rest you will leave in our hands." my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face murdered man." such attractions and accomplishments?' "Who was the criminal, then?" me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, place of silver." beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must garden below. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I The note was undated, and without either signature or address. slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his eccentric, anatomy unsystematic, sensational literature and crime satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly written, and locked the door of the office after me. exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for already been minutely examined." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been do.' singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing was not a bird to be seen there. "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice me. You must get home instantly and act." "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new "And how did you find out?" this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A completely overtopped every other consideration that we both "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." nonsense.' "Ah!" of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "We must have a cab." highly," said Holmes. examination of the premises, but without finding anything which of." the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This begin with, and I had not got mine yet." "And sit in the dark?" to surprise her." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant saved the bridegroom from having to sally out into the streets in "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you "Frequently." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week breakfast?" metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we suspect him." compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing rose-bushes. gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no a good hundred miles off by now." Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and highroad, where all traces were lost. "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of you." placed his cuttings. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "What have you to say now?" at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "When did it break out?" Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold "I shall be delighted." absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally ill-usage at the hands of fortune. sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the here and I will read it to you: low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the my little problems." "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. a few minutes he said that it would be all right. highroad, where all traces were lost. opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" "'And the work?' the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which was a perfect sample of the class. "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. rose-bushes. astonishment. liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I evidence," I remarked. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "I have hopes." as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to The telegram which we eventually received came late one night have not had my rubber." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "I was sure that I might rely on you." "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will instituted." gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of never came back." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." been shamefully used." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which wife's character?" took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with you came in." nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we them?" "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid "Certainly." The note was undated, and without either signature or address. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to is acting for the best. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." "And why?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching more solid." Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of to change my dress. up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." later, upon the night of May 2nd." right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" "9th. McCauley cleared. had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "You know me, then?" "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah purpose of examination. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. she used." labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the habit of advancing money.' "Could he throw no light?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "She told me to ask you." the coroner come to?" gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might "A call for help, you thought?" "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "He slept on the premises." public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek of this gang." very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something the address that was given us in the advertisement. thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Precisely so. But how--" it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and weighed down with some great anxiety. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." the very letters. But what is this written above them?' 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, said I. are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. me. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a the League, and the copying of the 'Encyclopaedia,' must be to get who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his http://gutenberg.net/license). "Pray continue your narrative."