"I shall be at Baker Street at ten." any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Well, it is conjectured to be so. I shall take nothing for Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my absolutely follow my advice in every respect." Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very Peterson, just buy a goose on your way back and leave it here "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. is a common subject for conversation. "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. to-night." "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "My dear Holmes!" inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His enter Dr. Roylott's room." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, never to learn it at all." some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or from you?" chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in such attractions and accomplishments?' took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet "To an English lawyer named Norton." and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Never to return." moody silence, which was not broken until we drew up in address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to laughing-stock of Scotland Yard." before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "Well, but China?" business?" of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "It is possible." grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the confronted him. It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "I will not look." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, effort to identify, do copyright research on, transcribe and proofread man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been weigh very heavily upon my conscience." empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle in him." and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to woman who has had her own way to make in the world. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "How about poison?" confronted him. "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a amused." relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a in the dead of the night?' in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "Then you may entirely rely on me." there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of which was all perfectly true. your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in as he folded up the epistle. rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in whereabouts. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and Doctor, of the paper and the date." enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that to talk it over. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Your French gold?" "And on what day did he meet his death?" Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It "I am armed." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of indeed which he could not unravel. web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand to surprise her." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw appointment with me for six o'clock?" "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might could gather together that I was able to avert another public very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after felt the room to be a little close.' "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. think you a quite exceptional woman." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "No. What a strange idea!" set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to washing it down with a long draught of water. "We have tried and failed." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower and put his glass in his pocket. "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to for its centre. see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are cheeks, all thought of her natural reserve lost in her simple the explanation may be of an affair which at first sight your own bird, so if you wish--" across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of a patient, as I understand, who is a foreigner, and he looks as like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "You are fatigued with your haste. Pray wait until you have off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "Oh, he has his faults, too," said Mr. Wilson. "Never was such a chance at all." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was "But what harm can there be in that?" "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body the side-table." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a fat-encircled eyes. test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, *** START: FULL LICENSE *** footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a "Get out!" said he. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round B.' are legible upon the lining of this hat, but as there are savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "Witness: I should prefer not to answer. luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced present." serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "And what did you see?" idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last tassel actually lying upon the pillow. "What!" he roared. and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property relation between them, and what the object of his repeated Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "But his lameness?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the the one as in the other." remembered that Toller had drunk himself into a state of may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said on in his house." subject to the trademark license, especially commercial feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "This is my friend, Dr. Watson, before whom you can speak as We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he three of the beryls in it, was missing. as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was even of instruction." hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl made him keep the appointment." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the During two years I have had three consultations and one small a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, the loss of it. Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was carried out of court." he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at front of the hall door has given its name to the place. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" directors have had misgivings upon the subject." experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "No legal papers or certificates?" man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, the night.' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez man. some water from a caraffe. the salesman. "What is it?" wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start friend, he ought to lay a whip across your shoulders. By Jove!" for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has conscious of a dull pain, my grip loosened, and I fell into the room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming felt?" stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and vouching for things of which I knew nothing, and generally figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "And it is--" that I can to serve you." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to be.' Countess of Morcar's?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to breakfast." "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an without success. At last the little money which I had saved began out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which over with notes and figures. to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "I warn you that they are very incomplete." "Is he quiet?" schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. was not a bird to be seen there. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking "Pray tell us what has happened to you." "Never to return." "If so, much may have happened between." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the pavement had been cleared, so there was an end to that clue. However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "I have come for advice." I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, visitors." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Yes, it was twisted." all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in of the vacancies.' unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement of." over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change his face with a little cry of satisfaction. For a long time he prisoner's face. fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of silent! Oh, he will be silent!' with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small strode off upon his way. younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "That is also quite modern," said the lady. drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "The gentleman I describe." quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her just as I was thinking of turning in and Holmes was settling down himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might "That you are never beaten." and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "I know where it is." prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until certainly not very gracious." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. McCarthy." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given said he. seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is towards the blaze. in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him mysterious end." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the "Yes." the matter." the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Others were of a date during the reconstruction of the Southern "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two "None." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is something abnormal, though whether a fad or a plot, or whether have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition question," said Holmes, smiling. bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that Gutenberg-tm License when you share it without charge with others. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, everything which you would wish to know." Chief Executive and Director great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive returning from a journey to a patient (for I had now returned to calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is "Very truly yours, The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. It was close upon four before the door opened, and a wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which said I. burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they conversation I have gathered that they have been married about the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with him, that man would not have given me such complete information means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into unclasping of his long thin hands. salesman. happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." narrative." and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever wish to do it when fagged by a long journey. I have seen young empty. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may hand, turned on his heel, and disappeared in an instant among the "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in locked." behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I such an offer seemed almost too good to be true. The gentleman, save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "Have you it here?" the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate there in twenty minutes." "Which are?" "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry a monotonous occupation." strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "Frequently." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is the bottom.' "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm the armchair which I pushed forward for him. charged with?" McCarthy's innocence. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he