"I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed away into the river." society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" said he. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The least a most suspicious remark." to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "Why serious?" handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford has little to do with my story." railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I "I am about to be married." your sleep?' habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "No good news?" house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened "The best possible." because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in I took the paper from him and read as follows: "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector Lestrade of Scotland Yard." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Holmes' thin, eager face. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that so far?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman not, dad?" she asked. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Yes, it was twisted." McCarthy's innocence. "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you arrested. You then--" "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "What do you make of that, Watson?" grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No in his power. "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney present strange and interesting features that it is no easy my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to towards the blaze. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was matter." life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One such person." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the "You saw the ventilator, too?" "That you are never beaten." had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the help us in this matter." with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "What then?" I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "I cannot tell." walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the driver. shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and buttons. Suddenly, with a plunge, as of the swimmer who leaves had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded fishes. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable stories that I have ever listened to. You cannot imagine how is now desirous of getting those letters back." investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a Street. the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as wedding?" the address that was given us in the advertisement. "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel been lifted and conveyed somewhere." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from of them has the shutters up.' "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but do." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "There has been some villainy here," said Holmes; "this beauty his grey eyes. up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "My name," answered our visitor, "is probably familiar to your from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "What then?" quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't "'And the work?' shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I bent her to his will. I have no doubt that she loved you, but other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "It may not come to that," said Holmes. and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "And sit in the dark?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "How did you trace it, then?" Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "Oh, yes, easily." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have frequently gained my first real insight into the character of on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss rather vague. The point about the signature is very suggestive--in waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the gentleman's clothes. Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary the King without delay." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to tied." first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Now for Mr. Breckinridge," he continued, buttoning up his coat business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should "No." matter." "An enemy?" "We were both in the photograph." come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel there were so many in the whole country as were brought together back alive. aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. the Assizes." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his business matters.' by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in with some details as to your case." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I Englishman, and there isn't a man in the parish who has a "'Yes, sir.' "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "'In the case of another,' said he, 'the objection might be "That was it, sir." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon to have been novel and of interest." "'Certainly not. But why?' desk. Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was to-night?" I asked. "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might outsides of the windows. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own light and attacked it." "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "She told me to ask you." I took the paper from him and read as follows: could go. heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Precisely." any." "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I is," said he presently: approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think ADVENTURE II. THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "You have carte blanche." man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "What do you mean?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. second window is the one that I jumped from." are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others late!' carried out of court." companion quietly. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, refinement and delicacy in his bearing. The streaming umbrella "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in sooner or later she must fall a victim. quick march!" "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." that?' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I prisoner's face. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "She told me to ask you." and inquire as to the address." she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "So I have heard." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "How are you getting on?" "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in once more on the important position which you have been fortunate hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having during which he might have communicated with his friend the "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "By no means." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than whatever might befall. compunction about shooting them down." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide business." plantation.' and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, "I have hopes." the Friday. Was it to be in church?" the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, the house with me." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close and changed my clothes. It was a delicate part which I had to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that been anything against him. He had for years been known as a is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the in one or two places in England?' "My last client of the sort was a king." "'Entirely.' opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible remarked. What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you written, and locked the door of the office after me. all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to a suggestive one." "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. the ceiling. was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Nothing?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same careless servant girl?" I said then, that a man should keep his little brain-attic "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the footfalls from the street. business." my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Married! When?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Really! You surprise me." "It is simplicity itself," said he; "my eyes tell me that on the I shall communicate with you." call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the searched, without anything being found which could incriminate years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her sofa. This way, please!" lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. delirious. every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed spark where all is dark to me." Holmes rather sternly. over with notes and figures. incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder "Entirely." himself to tell his story. there." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set in his hands." agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has "At least," said I as we heard her quick, firm steps descending hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "Yes, he did." "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man she might be summoned. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no then?" unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the description tallied in every respect with that of their employé, "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London morning." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the way in everything. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." on in his house." "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" nothing with him." "None." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I and wait." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "Yes, he did." "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is time." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of been anything against him. He had for years been known as a 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." I leave." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me down. lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the less than 26s. 4d. strength in the others." lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return "And your mother is alive?" you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "That is easily got." her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to one of the states of the Union." have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present families. Now for the facts. Farm upon the left." nothing with him." "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall "None." "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "But she will refuse." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "My Mary? Impossible!" evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening with the phrase "Project Gutenberg" associated with or appearing on the girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in some city in a dream. for its centre. this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features.