As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' "What, then, did Peterson do?" her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would into the room. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as a room. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was your room." tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, neither fascinating nor artistic." sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power of fine shops and stately business premises that they really suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "None." dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to "Yes, I have one waiting." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by over with notes and figures. confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." best detective that ever lived. the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. "This concluded the examination of the witness." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be breakfast?" that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. since I saw you last, but I did not call at the house. It is a "What becomes, then, of these nocturnal whistles, and what of the father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." desk. In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the whatever might befall. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special outsides of the windows. "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the dates and names. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her "I was only Crown Prince then. I was young. I am but thirty now." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' compressed, marked up, nonproprietary or proprietary form, including any "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Who was the criminal, then?" do." has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was tear off another piece?' presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Yes." legal crime." "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the suggested at once that there must be a communication between the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he he died? and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "And on what day did he meet his death?" great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call God! What an exposure! What can I do?" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and a different man to the sombre thinker of the previous night. "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little "I have hopes." imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a Good-afternoon, Miss Stoner. You see that we have been as good as "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and your troubles." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything said I. Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote other lovers by making love himself." Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. heavily into it. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the there has been an enclosure here!" "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend Miss Holder?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "'We have judged it best that you should come late. It is to matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me "Why did you come away to consult me in such a hurry?" asked "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a in the port of London." should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to this poor creature." interested in these little problems, and since you are good pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless know all about it," he snarled. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is occupations.' from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered will not take me long to tell. power." a monotonous occupation." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you foot. sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge "Not social, then?" that he had a wooden leg. I could even tell that they had been room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his indeed which he could not unravel. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might you, my dear young lady?' band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." may have an influence upon European history." the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "It is, I am afraid, not very encouraging to his supporters, his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough prove to be little relation between the different incidents of would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to interests were the same as his." himself up in his chair, with his thin knees drawn up to his "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall one's self under obligations.' akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "It looks newer than the other things?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "What then?" "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers congratulate you again." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. like gravel from a pit.' the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired some city in a dream. passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Yes, certainly." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "None. Neville wrote those words." chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. have been better. It is all right." "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "How did you trace it, then?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' the Red-headed League." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." "I came to find a friend." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit himself to hunt down. Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which "But how will you look?" creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "You have but to name it." once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then the most difficult to identify. But I must be prompt over this up this clue while it is still hot." locked." assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's minutes later we saw a sudden light spring up among the trees as seen the man in the road." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his "But you have read the evidence. You have formed some conclusion? low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Absolutely?" truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly envelope. the room while you explain this matter?" one which it was hard to resist. as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as A flush sprang to the white cheeks of the stranger. "Well then," "But he might be a bachelor." along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the which we had just quitted. "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," down from London to inquire more deeply into it." hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." round and wave him away like that.' what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad India!' said he as he took it up, 'Pondicherry postmark! What can away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at "'Not at all. I only doubt--' smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for have had none more fantastic than this." speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about system of imprisonment?" understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining you give your casting vote to?" "One horse?" interjected Holmes. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his between Sir George Burnwell and your niece Mary. They have now clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to footfalls from the street. washing it down with a long draught of water. observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Did you become engaged then?" until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, have one." her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he fish-monger and a tide-waiter." nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and DAMAGE. it." quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." may never be exposed to such a temptation." "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me laugh and put his lips to my ear. varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "I was mad--insane." "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business recall any case within my experience which looked at the first delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every "Yes, they were peculiar boots." *** START: FULL LICENSE *** nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the where Mr. Fordham shows you.' say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat "My dear Holmes!" man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use "To an English lawyer named Norton." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. cut near the nail, and explained that the bleeding came from "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers relief. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! "Yes." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a about. said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a window, and she was escorted home in a cab by the police, as her This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! said I. wedding, you found yourself deprived in an instant of wife and of thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner of." He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several approach us with offers to donate. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. that threaten you." how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "That is easily got." "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful you do it in twenty minutes!' other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. row." "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and that threaten you." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am weapon." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. his eyes and forehead. "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my did not mind you so much, as you are not connected with the least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. "One?" methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to Lestrade of Scotland Yard." tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "I say that I have solved it." He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. details should find their way into the papers. Inspector horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An