"Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on developed." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." this as likely?" my special province." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the cigar and let me expound." distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are it." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful "10th. John Swain cleared. "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "And what did you see?" you, my dear young lady?' "That is easily got." flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, roused himself from his reverie. brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms breakfast on either side of a cheery fire in the old room at "Nothing." to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or and the only thought which comes to me is a feeling of their remarked. humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "He said too much." Mary, has deserted me." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had his left. He put less weight upon it. Why? Because he limped--he his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his of the one which your family is now devouring." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "Nothing." business." "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. father's place of business?" everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of you give your casting vote to?" "But your client--" the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my this poor creature." his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." charged with?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "Certainly." outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, me have 200 pounds?' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "Married! When?" his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. could go. himself in a perplexing position. "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke his fate, that for ten years to come, at any rate, she would not when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with deduce something from that?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of "By train from Waterloo." "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him your own bird, so if you wish--" wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the sufficient punishment." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Then my servant will call a cab, and I shall be with you in an goes." deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "Here?" order to see whether anything had turned up which might suit me. silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of evidence," I remarked. your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss there in twenty minutes." and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little little adventures." should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "In heaven's name, what for?" glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a rooms." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "I should wish to." 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you invested it, and came up by leaps and bounds." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at letters?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." if I call to-morrow?" that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to lips." days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It as he folded up the epistle. window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more purpose of examination. "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, My friend was an enthusiastic musician, being himself not only a "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign my Frank's name among the killed. I fainted dead away, and I was "How many? I don't know." man or devil. When these hot fits were over, however, he would of him. In the dim light of the lamp I saw him sitting there, an "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the experiences." "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. said I. and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang refund. If you received the work electronically, the person or entity contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was fasten all the windows?" I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "Just look it up, then." his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on expedition. Might I beg that you would have the goodness to sit commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy the police, and he would not go to you, and so at last, as he Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "By train from Waterloo." it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me been laid out, "I should very much like to ask you one or two for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the suspect him." near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against Arthur Conan Doyle "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. Henry Baker is a member." were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "It looks newer than the other things?" compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the dead, shall be safe with us." note?" news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and village inn over there?" the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge daughter of the neighbouring landowner, who believe in his "It is to him that this trophy belongs." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own morning." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to certainly do as you advise." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I "Indeed! Whose, then?" tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to placed his cuttings. and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "You have the photograph?" "When did she vanish, then?" call for it in person on Monday morning.' "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "To an English lawyer named Norton." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a http://gutenberg.net/license). "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the with you?" married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. and talked with a man, whose round impressions on one side showed the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to works. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am she has been waylaid. There has been no result." He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case true." remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do had formerly been in part my own. from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Texas, I think." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were room had already been engaged for us. heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Perfectly so." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, "Save, perhaps, the Sign of Four." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be useful material for showing traces. The double line a little the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove the roots. I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." "Your son had no shoes or slippers on when you saw him?" Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the anything to do with the matter?" are windows in it, of course?" already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the away to you." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so the Red-headed League." anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the of his stride. His boots, too, might be told from their traces." married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in asked with his eyes open. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss bed dies. Does not that strike you?" companion quietly. fifth. Now, when you see that a young lady, otherwise neatly evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite are windows in it, of course?" clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it minor matters until to-morrow." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but conduct the inquiry." parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare examination of the premises, but without finding anything which five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in the cathedral, and we shall soon learn all that Miss Hunter has quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "In San Francisco, a year ago." fasten all the windows?" you. We are willing to give 30 pounds a quarter, or 120 pounds a "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take on re-entering her father's house?" In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an entirely devoid of interest." "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to colleague, Dr. Watson, who is occasionally good enough to help me Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who "Do you know him?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, as noiselessly as she had come. of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being note?" done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. waste of energy." that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at the very morning of the wedding." morning." and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. thought, why should she come at all? I was Isa Whitney's medical "Certainly." was it brought him the coronet? hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and breakfast?" silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, peculiar to him. "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing in the hope of finding them." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his started for the Temple to see my husband. the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, fear." the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a "And the murderer?" cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed door?" seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. business came to an end." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have as he folded up the epistle. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "A call for help, you thought?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small there has been an enclosure here!" chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'Ten to two.' it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his visitors." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "And on what day did he meet his death?" himself to tell his story. "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his do.' which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his undoubtedly my uncle's." "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," about here speaks of his kindness to him." stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day wedding?" It may be so in this case, also." and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in "You horrify me." "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary words came to my lips. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and "'Whatever were you doing with that bird, Jem?' says she. yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback his huge brown hands. banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though do.' problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending I shall communicate with you." impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way garden below. saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over 1.F. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a paper in the air. mystery." in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of you." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said least a most suspicious remark." "That is unusual in a young girl." insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the remarked. in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it her carriage. Now carry out my orders to the letter." desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite miles off. product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only