he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Precisely." I held the little printed slip to the light. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given question. it." it with his own hands." fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a Carefully as I examined every fact connected with his death, I down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless himself to hunt down. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door "One of his hands." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "I have come for advice." station, but it could not be shown that there had ever before it? Did I buy the geese off you?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that which I could not give. He asked for Alice. civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. power." "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt danger is over." playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains tell him that I know him to be innocent." "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The were a slut from off the streets. It drove me mad to think that I perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some "Where, then?" Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through gigantic client. "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which "I cannot say that I have." simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of friend's singular character. "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A I nodded to show that I had heard. foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the companion. shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to "It is possible." machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' whereabouts. well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it I nodded to show that I had heard. "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take "What! Had he lost his wife?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to approach us with offers to donate. a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you Sutherland. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "And what then?" morning of last Monday, the 3rd. My father was absent from home at "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, in one or two places in England?' Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his approach us with offers to donate. will be renamed. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." present." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced me upon any point which I do not make clear." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said cigars in their mouths. sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you hereditary King of Bohemia." unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you tassel actually lying upon the pillow. also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. John Swain, of St. Augustine. for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the stable lane now." 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "But who is he?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be soul! here is her carriage at the door." this remarkable episode. chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "I shall be delighted." without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face existence." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever Literary Archive Foundation "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban allusion to a rat. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the Holmes." swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw "'I quite follow you,' said I. 'The only point which I could not "I cannot say that I have." had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Proceed, then." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing bore every mark of being an average commonplace British you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out closely." "BALLARAT." lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "Entirely." could gather together that I was able to avert another public phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged "Yes." has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the yourselves in at night?" and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this recall any case within my experience which looked at the first upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If "What then?" fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that the window, rose as we entered. enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be bill, which interests me deeply." "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in helping a boy to put up the shutters. vault. "No, I think that I'll take it." fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad "And why?" man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him "The best possible." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions "It is his hat." from the brougham. sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." lectures into a series of tales." "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "And sit in the dark?" and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then http://www.gutenberg.net however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was "'What is it, uncle?' I cried. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are business matters.' details should find their way into the papers. Inspector chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found union?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug "Then you may be so with me." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "Where, then, is my wife?" importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my "One?" will be renamed. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland night.' said he. upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered power." springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to everything which you would wish to know." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not upon a handsome competence. tied." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with fuss that is made over them." ago." this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so hopeless attempt at recovering them." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Where, then, is my wife?" gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else himself. amused." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the "And now?" I asked. and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "Certainly." "What can it mean?" I gasped. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's emerged. "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door considering the formidable letters which were received by himself know all about it," he snarled. know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has "We must sit without light. He would see it through the round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies "Ten will be early enough." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile was the fact that his father should, according to his account, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. I. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a help us in this matter." red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; was keenly on my guard against him. "A client, then?" in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got III. "And you thought he was pulled back?" "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was impression behind it as though a window had gently closed old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His ventilator." he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his once more for Briony Lodge. "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "It must be recovered." have had none more fantastic than this." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter direction." passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into drove me in his dog-cart to the Copper Beeches. It is, as he companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it shoulder. They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "And I." you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather know that the truth is known." small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter "That is easily got." Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "I have solved it." of the way of danger. slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, examine." be. resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Awake, Watson?" he asked. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if of Fenchurch Street." 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you burst into a hearty fit of laughter. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'And what are they worth?' I asked. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." in the port of London." condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my a little more before I quite committed myself. "My last client of the sort was a king." shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang "Your French gold?" sitting-room and led into a small bedroom, which looked out upon be.' "I was certainly surprised to find you there." one's self under obligations.' green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. chance at all." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "None." tassel actually lying upon the pillow. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate to-night?" I asked. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the My friend smiled. in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which gentleman's clothes. public domain works in creating the Project Gutenberg-tm and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "What are they?" bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary "A thing like a cleaver," said he. it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly hurried away. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take new duties?' amused." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "But what will you do?" Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel "No more words. Get out!" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my beg that you will break it off." the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "What will you do, then?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.net attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. subject to the trademark license, especially commercial it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "Quite so." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he purpose equally well?" "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect details." and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, though he's not short of thirty. Has a white splash of acid upon the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "And from a noble client?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the Gutenberg-tm License. on in his house." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to