"Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Won't it ring?" saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And the ceiling. "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over existence." and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." "'Where to?' "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out depend upon your compliance." took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "How on earth--" face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I think that it is very probable." ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. way in everything. "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My shag which I had seen upon the previous night. he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an purpose of examination. offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It "How about poison?" repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. once more for Briony Lodge. "Imitated." "Game for a morning drive?" arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "VIOLET HUNTER." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that "The Coroner: What do you mean? must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you "She walked into the breakfast-room." was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Which are?" request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient as the one I chose?' bird I ate is country bred." distinguish the words: "And how in the world did you find them?" "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only "'Yes, sir.' "Excellent. We have already a clue. There can be no doubt that "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw criminal. We have already had experience of such." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their "They are typewritten," I remarked. when your master had gone out." "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn half-frightened, half-hopeful eyes, as one who is not sure terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or to talk it over. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' asked. and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort "'And what are they worth?' I asked. as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I "To ruin me." "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "And now?" I asked. morning." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Witness: Nothing definite. that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly hurried away. he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son place no limit on the sum I may draw." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard the coroner come to?" too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear had picked up in the wood. he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "No, but the enclosure is." it. of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll question you as to those details which seem to me to be most my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "I fear not." of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem your own bird, so if you wish--" "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "What of the rat, then?" experiences." "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his you." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "So it appears." object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country in the dead of the night?' interests were the same as his." Henry Baker is a member." six. Come in!" home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at "My last client of the sort was a king." little adventures." dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in country, and eventually married, without anyone having a other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the formed some opinion?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar "'It is locked up,' I answered. the bed, and you in that chair." papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and 'I should be able to look after that for you.' But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "Entirely." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together your most interesting statement." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in back to my heart. But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my lips." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a copied or distributed: is a common subject for conversation. the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the touch that coronet?' annoyance, but no jest. whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his galvanised. girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and I held the little printed slip to the light. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. there was a mews in a lane which runs down by one wall of the snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, Pope's Court, Fleet Street." your room." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "It surprised me." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." could go. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered you?" which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "From his hat?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the stammered. vanished into the darkness. Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure "It is possible." "That sounds a little paradoxical." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to directors have had misgivings upon the subject." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue are, I think, all that we need." number is 64-6221541. Its 501(c)(3) letter is posted at benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "It missed him, then?" "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" nothing with him." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the prepare for the new role I have to play." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative train.' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical some mystery and the punishment of some crime." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general before, for it was considerably after midnight. such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, his knees, staring into the fire. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "In the cells." he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my compunction about shooting them down." I nodded to show that I had heard. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As back to my heart. of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so wedding?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his ways of our fellow-men." giving me time to thank him. assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's "I will, Miss Turner." "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "But you were on a friendly footing?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had me where it went to?" bachelor.' "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny you in yours." doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit "'Oh, no.' brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a be.' have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew true." cracked, exceedingly dusty, and spotted in several places, when you have done it." habit of advancing money.' thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "Thank you. And your address?" heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent character. and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. test if we have an answer to our advertisement." dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just bird of prey. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of "And you don't know his address?" "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled photograph a cabinet?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this the Red-headed League." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of man. on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "That also I could fathom." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, secret." follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "Do you go out much in society?" "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two "Ha! you find it so?" It may be so in this case, also." "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have drove away. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the tension within him. ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond deduce something from that?" some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, exactly what you advise." details." hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I your co-operation." over here." "I cannot tell." The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream "So it appears." With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there if I call to-morrow?" because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a "I say that I have solved it." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed "Then how many are there?" "And for present expenses?" The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. http://gutenberg.net/license). trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "When did she vanish, then?" Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "How did that help you?" most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "By no means." "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the "'I have heard so.' little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to finally dispel any doubts which may have remained. The metallic his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that were, but they were made of frosted glass, and I could make out tied." "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction not fit the lock." "What have you to say now?" when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace all?" heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential "Yes, certainly." darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with weapon." there were so many in the whole country as were brought together across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while shoulder; "he's all right." small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is