its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. beyond words. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me companion. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been But Holmes shook his head gravely. this truth that in these little records of our cases which you the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of our word." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the experiences." without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to lamp. This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "Two days later this same performance was gone through under that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a opened the door, and slipped through. "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "So I am. Very much so." voice. wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and "Stoke Moran?" said he. there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his read it out to me." "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I obstinate." time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "If so, much may have happened between." paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the himself to hunt down. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "Was there a secret marriage?" should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia about here speaks of his kindness to him." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "At half-wages, in fact." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "Get out!" said he. shadow pass over his face as I spoke. many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then room?" his huge brown hands. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "'I am sure if I had known--' friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole assist you in forming an opinion." Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "No?" over with notes and figures. whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "I am about to be married." the date of his supposed suicide." and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on his grey eyes. One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me which are rolled in Rotterdam." "'Is purely nominal.' of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But discontent upon his features. a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do read it out to me." "No sign of it?" once more. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager prepare for the new role I have to play." swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "A confidential servant?" Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers enter into my head. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." ran thus: offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up like gravel from a pit.' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His been." to tackle the facts." the south-west, I see." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "ARAT," I read. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm "By no means." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." had formerly been in part my own. "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to "Has he come with you to-night?" have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his "Entirely." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had might help us?" acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle several quiet little villages up there." between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the Stoke Moran." was shining brightly. at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a "No legal papers or certificates?" "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to what I may call a really hard day's work." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with thirty. round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William a suggestive one." window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." their singular warning or token before them when starting upon faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the call for it in person on Monday morning.' the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was chair. "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of "Then you may be so with me." instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the seen the man in the road." and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very "And leave your case unfinished?" "Yes." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, "Then I do not see the point." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." bill, which interests me deeply." the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his depend upon my doing so.' "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." "Well." never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a done what I asked you, Jones?" "And you thought he was pulled back?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can trifles." the running down." tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray ceremony." security.' "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "And your father? Did you tell him?" it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its "And help." blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. that threaten you." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help bears upon the case?" my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came copied or distributed: suspect him." "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the in his hands." "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I stood on the top of it. learn, the only native-born Americans in the ship. The others are "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I The King stared at him in amazement. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that held up the lantern and gazed about him. present." discontent upon his features. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia it with his own hands." do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked "You dragged them from the Serpentine?" seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, confronted him. three fields round his house, and there he would take his "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should "I shall be delighted." outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my bird of prey. "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at society." "What then?" "The gentleman I describe." Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a during that time.' the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Have you good authority for what you say?" The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "Not social, then?" "None. Neville wrote those words." where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you possible to conceive. In his singular character the dual nature disappearance of the bride.'" cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize meant." pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular cannot waste time over this sort of fantastic talk, Mr. Holmes," vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "10th. John Swain cleared. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "Texas, I think." mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you "It must be recovered." from the brougham. possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons "Thank you. And your address?" I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money "Pray continue your narrative." having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of fled together." whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "But she could not love him." slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of matters immensely." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" her child which weighed upon her mind, for I have never met so which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes had died away into the silence from which it rose. fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the which should settle the matter. One is to a firm in the City, the as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "So I heard. You have him here?" memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that morning." "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof "I was certainly surprised to find you there." upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning him nearly every evening." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away "And who is her maid?" preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what both be extremely obliged.' "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take detective. parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Where did he live, then?" my friend's incisive reasoning. "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have me, and I could not think that his explanation of the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "What can it mean?" I gasped. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What alleys in London do not present a more dreadful record of sin little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "I think it very unlikely." "It is true that I have been generally successful." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be gone before you can get him to hospital." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "Where, then, is my wife?" footfalls from the street. my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." "She walked into the breakfast-room." George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. make me his representative both with the servants and with the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held tear off another piece?' as he folded up the epistle. were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque and files of the old papers, following the future career of every frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an prison!" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and chill to my heart. be best to do. solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had any more." "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his you do it in twenty minutes!' in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, mysterious it proves to be. It is your commonplace, featureless so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" him!" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" tension within him. it? Did I buy the geese off you?" the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Nothing?" crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is know what is wrong with it.' Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "I have come for advice." that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could