moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "I was afraid that you were engaged." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "Ah, but I was recommended to you." which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & outside. business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, for and were ordered to this address. other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking corner of the building. old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his have been better. It is all right." an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment posted to-day." endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope "Witness: It was. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "Here?" rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. could not have written that. It is the German who is so Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." test if we have an answer to our advertisement." alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." highly," said Holmes. found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. are, and they are waiting for us." at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that covered those keen eyes with tinted glasses, masked the face with twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been "And Irene Adler?" upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the have an American origin." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's so.' "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" must compliment you." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door door?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of "What! where?" shouted Mr. Windibank, turning white to his lips fait accompli?" and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was any more." We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' problems help me to do so." Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the nursery and my own room, which are next to each other in one woman who has had her own way to make in the world. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you "It is true that I have been generally successful." "And the papers?" asked the King hoarsely. "All is lost." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "A confidential servant?" "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my have an American origin." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I 'Encyclopaedia Britannica.' Vincent Spaulding did what he could to Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "Texas, I think." "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, my powers to determine. As to Holmes, I observed that he sat devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate Lee, in the county of Kent." "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I Does that suggest anything?" pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "Very well. And, I say, Doctor, there may be some little danger, "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the misfortune like this noised abroad. Besides, it is a useless steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which "But how could you guess what the motive was?" A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way if you convince the police authorities that there is no possible "And your mother is alive?" "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. intimate personal affairs in this public manner." was quite impossible to effect a rescue. The alarm, however, was "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "My stepfather's business papers." could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "And Irene Adler?" never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been three fields round his house, and there he would take his thought with a pained expression upon his face, as one who finds "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "'A dozen yards or so.' "You would not think 1000 pounds apiece an excessive sum for "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a standing smiling on the door-step. over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor Have you good authority for what you say?" to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the interested in these little problems, and since you are good "She showed me, as I told you she would." every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so away into the river." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "You have carte blanche." "Did you observe the colour?" as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in respectable self." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper outsides of the windows. credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few used to be." workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which civil practice), when my way led me through Baker Street. As I slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father of." with frightened eyes at his accuser. fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque back into Ross, Holmes still carrying with him the stone which he "No good news?" landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." imbecility!" he cried. our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know submitted to him. I rapidly threw on my clothes and was ready in sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a "It is straight enough. I should like to know who sold you the with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," "Her father is very rich?" "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did think that he is innocent?" "You were travelling in the States?" against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "Yes." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And keeping this work in the same format with its attached full Project "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned "'Never,' said I. But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not "'Yes, it was gone.' applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with From what you have told me I think that it is possible that so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I very large affair, and of late years it has not done more than wedding?" to surprise her." electronic works "It certainly sounds feasible." "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that hopeless attempt at recovering them." held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by have ever seen. At one side of the coronet was a cracked edge, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he subject to the trademark license, especially commercial was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "Yes, there are nearly always some there." story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was along has been that Lady St. Simon was decoyed away by Flora self-reproach and contrition which are displayed in his remark was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from happened." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Certainly." distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not so.' brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow straightened it out again. his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in approach us with offers to donate. "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no the band! The speckled band!' There was something else which she leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you "What have you done?" asked Holmes. "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your "No sign of it?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "And it is--" London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "And who is her maid?" Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all these bleak autumnal evenings." ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me taking in every detail of the apartment. mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "I will try. What is it?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "You have carte blanche." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch inside of your left shoe, just where the firelight strikes it, when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. writing, and yet I know it well." heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, 1.E.9. presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the without success. At last the little money which I had saved began get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to during which he might have communicated with his friend the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it details should find their way into the papers. Inspector which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to seem to you to be relevant or not." will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Then what has happened to him?" tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at "Yes, there are nearly always some there." Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and ashen face. "And Irene Adler?" hurried away. "Certainly." building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Upon what point?" prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most Cross for the Continent." my friend's incisive reasoning. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "Entirely." anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I it means?" I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is undoubtedly my uncle's." from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of were new raised from a basin. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as more terrible than the truth. "But she will refuse." pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, Holmes and I rushed out and round the angle of the house, with and the whole place is in a blaze." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily awkward doing business with an alias." had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Did you observe the colour?" in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad which are rolled in Rotterdam." whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "Yes, there are nearly always some there." vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the the matter." zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest paper, he laid it out upon the table. "I have some remembrance," "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the for its centre. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the "It goes to the housekeeper's room." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an "Why, it's a dummy," said he. nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where me. my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian "But we can't all be." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, asked. have been had I been here before they came like a herd of buffalo "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile wedding?" so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "The murder was done with it." subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it to me. became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all however, as I ran, a deadly dizziness and sickness came over me. equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. thin, with a long, sharp nose?" warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." "Why did you beat the pavement?" dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. been shamefully used." wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Not particularly." be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to entirely devoid of interest." "It is to him that this trophy belongs." was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek said Holmes, taking the paper and glancing his eye down it. "This How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Yes, sir, that is undoubtedly my hat." that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a Lestrade laughed. "I am afraid that I am still a sceptic," he if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of away to you." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. "And you thought he was pulled back?" opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his presume?" waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from thick with dirt that the evening light glimmered dimly through have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by this as likely?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, "It is true that I have been generally successful." stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I "And how did you verify them?" thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began incident in my uncle's life, and that the danger would be as occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits "But you were on a friendly footing?" about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. delirious. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes a room. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and vilest antecedents, but as, by Mrs. St. Clair's story, he was this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an interest. They are important, you understand, without being is waiting now in the sitting-room. Now, when young ladies wander advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I cup of tea. by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "May I see it?" among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." desk. American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had