during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "But you were on a friendly footing?" we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Ah, but I was recommended to you." sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let one which it was hard to resist. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of whispered words of broken English at me, her eyes glancing back, "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, "Yes." some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried "But how?" in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings deduce something from that?" already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Street. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further police have caused the arrest of the woman who had caused the "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was business at Coburg Square is serious." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the "Yes, all." photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H yards of it?' been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before used to be." speckled band?" Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging "How did you trace it, then?" "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left rooms." vault. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall at my own good fortune. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Perhaps I have." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten instincts rose up against that laugh. against a man in the prime of life?" "That is easily got." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. long narrative. ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the cheerful." villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which populous neighbourhood." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "What is it?" opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the on the kitchen rug. Here are his keys, which are the duplicates smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a country, and eventually married, without anyone having a "Yes, all." nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the to have been novel and of interest." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do public, who could hardly tell a weaver by his tooth or a "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. fat-encircled eyes. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, that we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "But what is it you wish?" fait accompli?" photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be husband's writing, madam." he. "Only two days ago I was a happy and prosperous man, without "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. troubles have been weighing upon his mind. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact the matter." "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect attempts to establish himself in practice in London and took us license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. cheerful." "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would said I. King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, matter over." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be neither fascinating nor artistic." long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a clang of the bell. man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon had this final quarrel? simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the sparkled upon his finger. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the some place of shelter and let the county police know what has evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as disappearance of these gems?" in your London, you will know that the office of the company is practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded allusion to a rat. "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord I held the little printed slip to the light. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt Holmes. "You would have done better to have trusted your wife." to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman permission of the copyright holder found at the beginning of this work. it were putty." his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the "When did it break out?" the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the the tragedy. Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "Did your wife hear all this?" Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "'Very good.' vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus about here speaks of his kindness to him." bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he his eyes that our smiles were turned in an instant to horror and impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little affair. purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a laugh and put his lips to my ear. Goodwins and not very far from the Isle of Wight." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Ha! that was unfortunate. Your wedding was arranged, then, for through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs as noiselessly as she had come. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing disappearance of the bride.'" "I am all attention, madam." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case hair?' "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking once more. loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey to arrive at through this?" I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "No sign of it?" question. Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special purpose equally well?" the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in is," said he presently: of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the "Yes, it was twisted." "Now, if you will have the great goodness to open that door very "Yes, sir." "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, the salesman. immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as in his power. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "Yes, and she was the girl who waited in the drawing-room, and behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, and glanced through. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "Your presence might be invaluable." Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another for securing the situation." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come were wasted." was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "The gentleman I describe." "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As purpose equally well?" Mr. Ryder. Pray take the basket-chair. I will just put on my poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged you in your example." them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. I shall continue with my miserable story. that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to nothing of it?" borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. been loading their cargo. By the time that their sailing-ship arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers it. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "It is true that I have been generally successful." "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of forehead. six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which which we had just quitted. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck interested in these little problems, and since you are good as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a shouted, 'first to Gross & Hankey's in Regent Street, and then to the little opening for the ventilator is." Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. Heh?' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" prisoner's face. face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, round and wave him away like that.' preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of glad to see that Mrs. Hudson has had the good sense to light the he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with for medical aid from the village, all efforts were in vain, for those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Then I do not see the point." some mystery and the punishment of some crime." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. "A confidential servant?" "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "It was an hour's good drive." unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. upon the shelf for the interim." It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "None. Neville wrote those words." room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be Sutherland?" down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and had no one to advise her at such a crisis." Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "Yes, certainly." PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "No." the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "But she could not love him." "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how "He disappeared so suddenly." full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek "Yes, they were peculiar boots." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with "Come in!" said he. "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking way: Pool. "You think that he is dead?" I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain "What?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you when your master had gone out." streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. away by the old trick of stepping in at one door of a "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" the mouth, and with the steady, well-opened eye of a man whose one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I answered that I had not. and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I to change my dress. "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that disappearance of the bride.'" "I cannot say that I have." photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. myself. Male costume is nothing new to me. I often take advantage the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which seen such deadly paleness in a woman's face. Her lips, too, were unclasping of his long thin hands. of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been spare." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this not use it unless it is absolutely needed." "Yes." lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east article?" "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the "Ha! you find it so?" from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "'Oh, no.' "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "Absolutely none." conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, formed some opinion?" from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. Mr. Jabez Wilson laughed heavily. "Well, I never!" said he. "I "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The thoughtfully. "It may seem to point very straight to one thing, "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known "'What then?' I asked. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, geese which you supplied to the Alpha." and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "Texas, I think." "In answer to an advertisement." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn your co-operation." "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" best detective that ever lived. astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him have I gained?" "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "Murdered?" scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a straightened it out again. a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to better grown goose." parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been "One of the highest in England." could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room most interesting one." credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "Where to?" certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by The events in question occurred in the early days of my you give your casting vote to?" England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" him, that man would not have given me such complete information which showed by its ragged edge that it had indeed been torn from used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. place no limit on the sum I may draw." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we death." grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four tightly behind him.