"'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "But how?" "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven are, I think, all that we need." brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is over part of the map. "What do you read?" think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, head. So long, then!" month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes guilty one." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "My Mary? Impossible!" "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and orange pips. "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an "'Some little time ago I bought a small place--a very small your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "The gentleman I describe." "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "You horrify me!" of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually passage and a tap at the door. "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and together. he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you held up the lantern and gazed about him. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Have you her photograph?" at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with I nodded again. every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs John Swain, of St. Augustine. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. "May I see it?" "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "'Next Monday I have a large sum due to me, and I shall then most Munro.' should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her morning." rooms." to change my dress. unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the absolutely follow my advice in every respect." photograph?" always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite business matters.' to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "Nor running a chance of arrest?" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." salesman. knowledge of the world." "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem License. You must require such a user to return or "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've "But you were on a friendly footing?" which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were "What I expected to see." "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. neither fascinating nor artistic." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "To the police?" "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "No, but the enclosure is." you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had "When I arrived at the house," continued Holmes, "I at once went retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." "Game for a morning drive?" in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. "It missed him, then?" lamp in his hand. his hair had tramped into the city to answer the advertisement. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped is worth.' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year and capable of preserving a secret.' glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes that, and I came down." memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is one's self under obligations.' is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." I leave." in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" you want, then?' favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so occupations.' "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." his knees, staring into the fire. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly it. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a washing it down with a long draught of water. before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every "Two days later this same performance was gone through under happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and introspective fashion. remarked. in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she ground. I sent the house-maid for the police and put the "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. fatally injured? fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside to you." since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a during that time.' thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over for and were ordered to this address. without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the peculiar to him. the matter." could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as "Yes?" shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "Yes." "I was sure that I might rely on you." "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" drenched his tobacco with laudanum in an attempt to produce the waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a in the hope of finding them." envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we my former friend and companion. "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into you." Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a "Unless this is a clever forgery to put us on the wrong scent. pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, think you a quite exceptional woman." no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in His name is Francis Prosper." copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to wedding?" "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is helping a boy to put up the shutters. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give was used.' appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him should know if evil came upon him. On the very day that I saw him acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in it means?" pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version in your London, you will know that the office of the company is "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the you in your example." face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, individual and becomes the badge of a society." strange features which were associated with the two crimes which sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon place of silver." a monotonous occupation." and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my heard a metallic clang, which might have been caused by one of "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does hands. "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. The note was undated, and without either signature or address. I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had more terrible than the truth. "No, but the enclosure is." his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Quite so. She has her freedom." particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Yes." unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. beg that you will break it off." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings handed it to him. "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of Gutenberg-tm work. The Foundation makes no representations concerning For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution forehead. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "You forget that I know nothing about it." his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk for the market.' been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "'And the work?' don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to "Perhaps I have." "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would that I am amply repaid by having had an experience which is in as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into You can understand that this register and diary may implicate room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "He is still with you, I presume?" suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email "It is his hat." places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the "Certainly." Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, the ceiling. he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the followed. to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. "I will not look." The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "'Never.' scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of so.' of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and once more to my work. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has used to be." "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "It surprised me." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the Leave Paddington by the 11:15." not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "'As governess?' child?' suddenly upon us." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "I will not look." certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H fat-encircled eyes. was feeling which was the fattest.' "But how?" lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "Then I shall certainly come." "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That you?" "I was afraid that you were engaged." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I the stones. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and once more on the important position which you have been fortunate it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency "Yes, sir." despair." case before our client came into the room." I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have "Was your sister dressed?" along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Then I do not see the point." "But we can't all be." hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun Eyford at 11:15.' makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when so.' thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem you, my dear young lady?' happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down me on every sufferer over whom he might have any influence. knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. "Frequently." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a "I shall be delighted." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "What is it, then--a fire?" from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "Yes." The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak noting anything else of interest. yet." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper to-night?" I asked. walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of newspaper selections." fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If dates and names. not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one "No good news?" broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest becomes even more simple." Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary upon the sideboard." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had both be extremely obliged.' heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. you." reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a straighten it?" "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him."