Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he "One horse?" interjected Holmes. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. advice." We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "I should be immensely obliged to you." From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found hands. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of good-night and bustled off upon her way. passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a one of them." "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor one of them." down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out I was concerned in it." Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "Yes, only one." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination The telegram which we eventually received came late one night stammered. he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "But his left-handedness." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "And Irene Adler?" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever brandy and water within his reach. to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 "I cannot say that I have." "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, McCarthy." "Where, then?" "You were travelling in the States?" "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "It missed him, then?" him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with which you have given to mine." Tottering and shaking in all his borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who when you have done it." "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns have one." sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to "Deserted you?" habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were them?" absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That present." cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "No?" works. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my speckled band?" Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself License. You must require such a user to return or square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her to his chemical studies. with some details as to your case." appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of the work. You can easily comply with the terms of this agreement by did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one fishes. "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her fuss that is made over them." "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a "And Irene Adler?" side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had hard-headed British jury." "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the stalked out of the room. investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were shadow pass over his face as I spoke. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right with your silly talk I'll set the dog at you. You bring Mrs. "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon think that any burglar could have done. do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at ran thus: particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with eleven o'clock she rose to leave me, but she paused at the door "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock whether it answered to the description of any of their case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "Two days later this same performance was gone through under just called myself is not exactly my own." something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether "Yes." "Nearly eleven." "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. records." "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." one of the states of the Union." jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "BALLARAT." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we narrative." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "Ten will be early enough." she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of "Precisely." "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Nor running a chance of arrest?" "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "Where, indeed?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side infinite languor in his face. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. recover the gem." returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the Farm upon the left." towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, companion imperturbably. Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. to surprise her." furniture van. That is quite cleared up now--though, indeed, it "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly rooms." him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." certainly not very gracious." have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "You can imagine from what I say that my poor sister Julia and I that tree during the interview between the father and son. He had About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of system of imprisonment?" given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it Mary, has deserted me." "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds cigars in the box." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be through." clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in lips." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. "Yes. He waved his hands." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "'Stolen!' he cried. "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification walking." which was all perfectly true. august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, forbidden door. self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. speckled band?" deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may "Pray do so." following enigmatical notices: "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the here." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you to me. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, been able to understand it, in a very few words. "Just look it up, then." terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers sit on the left-hand side of the driver." not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. to some other building. blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I would pay ten." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you cigars in their mouths. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger pierced for earrings?" agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had views." "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler hurried away. Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "And how did you verify them?" look upon these things in a different way." of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera some mystery and the punishment of some crime." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand DAMAGE. pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." "'I shall certainly be there.' joking. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as it." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I all copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in your possession. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "No sign of it?" of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back head. So long, then!" lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to "It is a murder, then?" suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to all that?" rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the one of the states of the Union." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one Project Gutenberg-tm works. the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had this poor creature." Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to me have 200 pounds?' take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. "And now?" He raised his hand. "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square to-night." printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Holmes' face clouded over. figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all the little opening for the ventilator is." freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are bare slabs of marble. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "I never have." crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows key of the affair now." know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in there in twenty minutes." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I fact, we may call it conclusive." to tell." "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." legal crime." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "But it has twice been burgled." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep "And who is her maid?" attention." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, key turn in the lock." up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "Upon what point?" to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Yes." tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." without success. At last the little money which I had saved began XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. "Your French gold?" It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "9th. McCauley cleared. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your people don't know." purple plush at the neck and sleeves. Her gloves were greyish and of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my "I cannot as yet see any connection." is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'Yes.' have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." and all of them with the keenest interest. call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord address. situation." judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "In answer to an advertisement." up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this directly by questioning you." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." question," said Holmes, smiling. "What is it?" undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project friend's singular character. "The knees of his trousers." "Very. But will he see it?" where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying shall not find me ungrateful." "'You have been very kind,' said he, 'but I must have this money, my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what rose-bushes. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it McCarthy." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone "'Oh, merely a couple of hundred a year, but the work is slight, in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Certainly." just called myself is not exactly my own." fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the stood on the top of it. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal "'Very good.' stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor play then, for I saw that a prosecution must be avoided to avert "You don't mind breaking the law?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up "'Which dealer's?' the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the said he. "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" kindly on the shoulder. "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the one as in the other." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "But how could you guess what the motive was?" door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some "You are certainly joking, Holmes." to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a God! What an exposure! What can I do?" should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 ill-usage at the hands of fortune. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to a situation, and his keen, incisive reasoning, which made it a round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. most important business. It is probable that he will be away all home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then