"Never." shall not find me ungrateful." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the been deceived." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the considering the formidable letters which were received by himself fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of with her." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. think you a quite exceptional woman." already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our me. "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the "But you have hopes?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It north, south, east, and west every man who had a shade of red in of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the it. "What then?" furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' "Where, indeed?" "Nothing." awaited us upon the table. "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "Oh, the cause is excellent!" Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project populous neighbourhood." Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the observed. While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we "Certainly." "He might." that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and prison!" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "I am all attention, madam." for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It notes," he said. I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "On Monday." in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "Where did he live, then?" should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I "Not in a good cause." to tackle the facts." returning from some small jollification and was making his way the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "One?" like gravel from a pit.' a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; that he will be back before evening." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." had this final quarrel? the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what must compliment you." terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped along the entire front of the house, with three long windows unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the and glanced through. can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was into your dressing-room. Petrified with astonishment, the lad "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" tear off another piece?' out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to "And did you observe any change in her then?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his sit on the left-hand side of the driver." face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, events than those which have happened in my own family." cost them two and thirty pounds." "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that "'I shall certainly be there.' The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of whole matter to your consideration." after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I asked. sofa. This way, please!" It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might "You have it, sir, just as it happened." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "Then I do not see the point." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the delirious. "Yes, sir." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the running down." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" Pool. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his go back?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "The vanishing of the lady." continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a believing her to be with the company. On ascertaining that his two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less forehead. London for the present?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as you understand?" "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "You are hungry," I remarked. head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "But I have heard all that you have heard." "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will question you as to those details which seem to me to be most bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I tied." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "It missed him, then?" left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and in him." a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, "You horrify me." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some "He is dead," cried several voices. bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. "'Tell me all about it,' said I. you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest once more. long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' when your master had gone out." "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so done what I asked you, Jones?" the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "And who could it be who was her confederate? A lover evidently, people in all walks of life. which are rolled in Rotterdam." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table learned something! Where are the gems?" twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his on in his house." broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a hereditary King of Bohemia." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord in your London, you will know that the office of the company is the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, photograph a cabinet?" Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His the running down." but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you morning." staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about my former friend and companion. "He disappeared so suddenly." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "And I to find an enemy." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "Pray do so." harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "No. What a strange idea!" quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, for securing the situation." "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." than to us. to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser Chief Executive and Director drove away. what these perils are?" the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." lumber-room." introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not in this way: We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "You think so, too?" wanted for ourselves." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," Chief Executive and Director number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "We have retained these things for some days," said Holmes, hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a go--none." settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left go from here to the Strand." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow him. more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "How did that help you?" accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock me upon any point which I do not make clear." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our swiftly forward, seized the poker, and bent it into a curve with "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate maid will bring up your coffee." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. meant." "Why, what do you mean?" brandy and water within his reach. It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" "Nearly eleven." gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head kindly on the shoulder. family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or "By no means." incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. direction." the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among vague figure huddled up in the darkness. matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "It is true that I have been generally successful." case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the away into the river." surprised at his own arrest, or feigned indignation at it, I IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "Where did you address your letters, then?" McCarthy." wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so to change my dress. opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. respectable self." convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then It may be so in this case, also." Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "Imitated." other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to constraint." considering the formidable letters which were received by himself dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called down. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which emerged. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon "I think it very unlikely." be.' "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies locked." pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming "What of the rat, then?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual of fine shops and stately business premises that they really "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear "Yes, sir." "So I am. Very much so." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, joking. which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "No legal papers or certificates?" the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. "Nearly eleven." son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he some mystery and the punishment of some crime." morning." hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of tightly behind him. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical happened." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of "You horrify me." fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was once more on the important position which you have been fortunate "What are they?" "You have but to name it." shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, disappearance of the bride.'" your sleep?' not interfere, come what may. You understand?" thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Do you receive much company?" he asked. now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' wanted for ourselves." wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, a wonderful manager and housekeeper, yet as tender and quiet and speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no there in twenty minutes." "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, mysterious business." "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been "And what did you see?" "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "I am armed." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the be a noise like a pistol shot. Do you tell me that all this wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his know all about it," he snarled. came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in strong reason behind." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your speckled band?" "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of "Well." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his to where he stood hid behind the curtain. have I gained?" as usual, but I found that Miss Stoper was not alone. A after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" suggest, to obey any little commands my wife might give, provided and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. tail." "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. outside." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' time that we took, that it must have been nearer twelve. He sat