who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 a monotonous occupation." leave you to your papers for a little." "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless "You heard nothing yourself last night?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the views." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "It is very clear." intrusion of other matters." "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." money should be paid at once.' will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or "It must be recovered." compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if good-night and bustled off upon her way. "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the way in." Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "What, then?" so I took out my bunch of keys and tried to open it. The very "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "I cannot tell." with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" "At what time?" friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Then, as to money?" "His face fell immediately. upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with voice, changing her seat as requested. The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "'I have heard so.' "She will not sell." the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the wedding?" weighed down with some great anxiety. bearing upon the case." crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "I saw her in conversation with her maid." there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of "Yes, they were peculiar boots." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Have you her photograph?" five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get just ask you whether you had heard it.' Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project During two years I have had three consultations and one small subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him she has been waylaid. There has been no result." the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to "For two days after my arrival at the Copper Beeches my life was "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in out." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I footfalls from the street. property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a or other trace. But how on earth--" necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the from you?" "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I ashen face. elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "None." "No good news?" "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do in Baker Street. It is possible that I might have placed them opened a pocket-book and took out a note. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in to his chemical studies. through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my nonsense.' "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty down in his armchair and closing his eyes. with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you pierced for earrings?" and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his appointment with me for six o'clock?" away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he if only as a check to my own memory." his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have following enigmatical notices: son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would you?' was shining brightly. studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." you give your casting vote to?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." "You horrify me." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. upon the sideboard." receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the conversation I have gathered that they have been married about glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the she used." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after you do it in twenty minutes!' "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "There are none." "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he shoulder; "he's all right." "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. But Holmes shook his head gravely. threw himself down with his face to the pillow. bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was are windows in it, of course?" o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying and shall probably return to London by the evening train." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "She showed me, as I told you she would." Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a as the wheels of the royal brougham rolled down the street. "If which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the knowledge of the world." wanted for ourselves." well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just in the port of London." when your master had gone out." "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him hopeless attempt at recovering them." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. least a most suspicious remark." vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a skylight. such person." against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I was certainly surprised to find you there." such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney "Precisely." As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would "And Irene Adler?" anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire that before taking the final step I should like to submit the cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' in the evening than in the daylight, for he said that he hated to in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her business." will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "Do you know him?" "Yes." suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and disappearance of the bride.'" once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with discontent upon his features. fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas some paternal advice and to point out to them that it would be "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a an ornament. A frayed top-hat and a faded brown overcoat with a "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen your room." "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "A client, then?" have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." here and I will read it to you: of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security and no precautions can guard against." with sundials and papers? I shall take no notice of such in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. outside." furiously. I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he crime. "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now know that the truth is known." was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable "On your arm?" his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were "You don't mind breaking the law?" upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun "You did not overhear what they said?" broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Yes." what these perils are?" and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the once more to my work. "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "Witness: I must still refuse. pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the weary and pale-looking. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." in one or two places in England?' and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property for the business has not been over-good for some years, and an in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and strong reason behind." which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start asked. arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view "On Monday." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "Could he throw no light?" the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "How did that help you?" rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may lids now and glanced across at his visitor. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the my room." Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I where I lay upon the sofa and tried to interest myself in a Again Holmes raved in the air. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. becomes even more simple." from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the again." enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those here and I will read it to you: unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included "You fill me with interest," said Holmes. "Pray give us the bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Come in!" said Holmes. collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a residence of the great financier. card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, have one." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment yet." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained creature back into its den, and we can then remove Miss Stoner to rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary the room while you explain this matter?" his eyes and forehead. where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were introspective fashion. "This photograph!" remarked. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." I had just finished my tea when he returned, evidently in into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. morning." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of some terrible trap for her." his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the nonsense.' during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. "Then you may be so with me." me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to since then to throw any light upon what became of him." "What then?" papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the "Look there!" said he. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Why, it's a dummy," said he. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." congenial hunt. a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same "Was she in good spirits?" "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his the stable lane now." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left "That is not always so easy." things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, is now desirous of getting those letters back." coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. photograph?" Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still been lifted and conveyed somewhere." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did think that he is innocent?" "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon "It looks like it," said I ruefully, pointing to a huge bundle in thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "But the mystery?" I approached. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As fat-encircled eyes. traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. young Openshaw's." any." "On the contrary, this is the right side." The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Why did you beat the pavement?" "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to and prosperity to your house. Good-night." see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and was a loud and authoritative tap. for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you bare slabs of marble. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no anything to a woman, for she would have her way." "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern