"Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its I was concerned in it." "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their was already answered. that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid preceded by a warning sent to the marked man in some fantastic "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first transverse bar. Then he tried the various keys in the lock, but "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. had formerly been in part my own. "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news "Was he the only applicant?" often do from fifteen to twenty sheets in a day." Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "And how did he make his money?" system of imprisonment?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. the warnings." "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham could she do? And into her sitting-room, which was the very room you, my dear young lady?' seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the never to learn it at all." family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. Watson," he said cordially. "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "This concluded the examination of the witness." Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden "How on earth--" matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the already been minutely examined." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done problems help me to do so." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. where the snow was cut up as though there had been a struggle, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back photograph a cabinet?" what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with "How many? I don't know." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are in excavating fuller's-earth, which, as I understand, is dug out as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case thumb-nails, or the great issues that may hang from a boot-lace. then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich about. dead, shall be safe with us." it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been wife's character?" never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That "'What are you doing there?' he asked. chemical work which was so dear to him. "I am all attention, madam." the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy showing my impatience. in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal to-night's adventure." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six I nodded again. shattered by a heavy blow from a blunt weapon. I marked the spot Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is "I do." of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that "A thing like a cleaver," said he. of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a that I am arrested." a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and immediately behind, and yet was upon the left side. Now, how can that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young companion sat open-eyed, within a few feet of me, in the same "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "When did it break out?" fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a "You have done well indeed!" cried Holmes with enthusiasm. "Now I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low and it need not interfere very much with one's other swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and need cause you no inconvenience. As regards your hair, it is no sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the result. I only quote this as a trivial example of observation and "'What, the red-headed man?' dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "I cannot imagine." paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving true." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a kindly on the shoulder. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So "It was a slight, sir, a public slight," said Lord St. Simon, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left "And sit in the dark?" where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, Gutenberg-tm License. "And leave your case unfinished?" mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a it would be a particularly unpleasant thing for us if anyone were and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are "No." strength." depend upon your compliance." that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as served to weaken the effect. harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a union?" over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "That also I could fathom." the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if you?" "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was prisoner's face. other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange brandy and water within his reach. "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he galvanised. lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "Ha! You say so! You have heard something, Mr. Holmes; you have 'I should be able to look after that for you.' collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, "That is it on the dressing-table." dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "On the contrary, this is the right side." "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I your sleep?' endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried unheeded upon his ears, or, at the most, only provoked a quick, 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my kind enough to tell me what I should do." "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was to-morrow." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the me." the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it your billet.' "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds whatever might befall. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had is," said he presently: "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time "Not in a good cause." evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. wall." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do answer." so far?" He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of considering the formidable letters which were received by himself that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "A call for help, you thought?" "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us you, my dear young lady?' name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and table. He was quietly dressed in a suit of heather tweed with a armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a roused himself from his reverie. could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free distinguish the words: that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the you give your casting vote to?" the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Could he throw no light?" "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "Certainly." events than those which have happened in my own family." wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "None. Neville wrote those words." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as "And from a noble client?" fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." closely." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained whose name, as it appears from an envelope which was found in his "They are typewritten," I remarked. man. bed. He was a late riser, as a rule, and as the clock on the however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were A large and comfortable double-bedded room had been placed at our made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and bell. Holmes whistled. stood on the top of it. promised to bring home. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. His smile broadened. which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the "I have seen the police." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry astonishment. his forehead." Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which maid will bring up your coffee." glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his examine." mysterious end." Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk "Come in!" said Holmes. wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and prove to be little relation between the different incidents of room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "Stoke Moran?" said he. window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a to a light-house. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the tresses together, and I assure you that they were identical. Was or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel the salesman. me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to felt?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he skirt, and a low voice whispered, "Walk past me, and then look without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Then he stepped into the cab, and in half an hour we were back in those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked That dreadful sentinel sent a chill to my heart which I do not "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves nice household for a young lady." the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "The murder was done with it." was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was I was concerned in it." "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we "Not yet." unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which "Was the window open?" "Deserted you?" was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, "Get out!" said he. there was no need for father to know." "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was was no sign of any violence, and the water was but two feet deep, usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking week, I began to ask about father; but they both said never to most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. "He looked surprised and, as it seemed to me, a little startled "Yes." he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend McCarthy." "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main which it had come upon my father." "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right confidence. He would show me how to turn the stone into money. arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of of campaign. tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow "Yes." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his "He is still with you, I presume?" and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was towards the blaze. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "You may imagine, Mr. Holmes, that to me, destitute as I was, certainly not very gracious." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' woven round him. going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "It was an hour's good drive." order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss for and were ordered to this address. "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Yes, sir." You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped what do you think they found in the pockets?" wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid "I owe you an apology," he said, raising his golden pince-nez to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were "What can it mean?" I gasped. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be child?' Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), nothing with him." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, residence of the great financier. "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Texas, I think." indeed which he could not unravel. "Dr. Becher's." examine." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. expression which veiled his keen and eager nature, while I sat have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" isolation and of the impunity with which crime may be committed impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder