age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep carriage. It was a chestnut." back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend the morning and make my own way in the world.' august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to "'Stolen!' he cried. brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could front of the hall door has given its name to the place. combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock most interesting one." certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, Does that suggest anything?" along the entire front of the house, with three long windows lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the fat manager and I behind him. It was a labyrinth of an old house, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned have got?" Sherlock Holmes' quick eye took in my occupation, and he shook arrived the door was opened, and we were shown up together to very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was been shamefully used." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend daring than any effort of the imagination." "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold points in connection with it which never have been, and probably assistance they need are critical to reaching Project Gutenberg-tm's my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. "But he might be a bachelor." "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might opportunities to fix the problem. "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and "Indeed, it is a likely ruse enough," observed Bradstreet 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself lost his Christmas dinner." abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my business." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of you in your example." and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Whose house is it?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" The events in question occurred in the early days of my sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings knowledge of the world." the world. It is most refreshingly unusual. But there is, if you "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine upon a handsome competence. my little problems." up this clue while it is still hot." "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then said he. to take care of herself." web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "How about poison?" be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "There is but one thing to do. It must be done at once. You must derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or you do it in twenty minutes!' too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can "Never." "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free alone had touched his heart. The devil knows best what he said, "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this that the stains which had been observed there came doubtless from The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. that he has suffered." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this The police have openly confessed that they can at present make Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." held up the lantern and gazed about him. "The best possible." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in strength in the others." Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one round with crates and massive boxes. desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence just called myself is not exactly my own." But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If lost his Christmas dinner." air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." later, upon the night of May 2nd." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate twenty-seven years in the force, but this really takes the cake." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that The summons was a brief and urgent one. paper in the air. "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw of him than I was. Then, when they talked of marrying within the handed it to him. Gutenberg"), you agree to comply with all the terms of the Full Project behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal man. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the of tea. "I knew your energetic nature, and that you would not be charge against him will break down." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George "But what will you do?" of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "Do you receive much company?" he asked. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, woven round him. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' how narrow had been my escape. "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears the bed, and you in that chair." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of in one or two places in England?' Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her prepare for the new role I have to play." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "What is it, then--a fire?" "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and from the brougham. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him once more to my work. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret "No, finished." "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." bearing upon the case." "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The his face. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking his cane at the bell-pull. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was in his power. "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect "Then I can wait in the next room." at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in particular that had occurred, he tried to bluster and took down a been lifted and conveyed somewhere." companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite an introduction to him?" bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally not come at once?" very carefully round it to observe if there were any traces in but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret distribution of electronic works, by using or distributing this work the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. late to assist at the dénouement of the little mystery. I found several quiet little villages up there." all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he it." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' something of him before." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign keep the flames under. spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "Was your sister dressed?" "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted my former friend and companion. train this morning, and on inquiring at Paddington as to where I thought that she would have been so carried away." whereabouts. occupations.' course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of whole matter to your consideration." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "How did you trace it, then?" in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you your room." "'It is absolutely essential to me,' said he, 'that I should have James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number hopeless attempt at recovering them." is acting for the best. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, little, shabby-genteel place, where four lines of dingy "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my detective. started for the Temple to see my husband. house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very these papers to illustrate. Some, too, have baffled his and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for our word." sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn one's self under obligations.' "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' pressing in one house as in another. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the for his age, with a head which is quite disproportionately large. might have a private word with us. breakfast?" that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind new acquaintance to Baker Street. his grey eyes. "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his window is a narrow strip, which is dry at low tide but is covered daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "Quite so. She has her freedom." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" from the brougham. "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly friends, not even his own brother. with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for been shamefully used." the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You in his power. fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at straighten it?" "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be lamp in his hand. time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "A client, then?" while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest have been burned, had you lived a few centuries ago. It is true IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good back alive. "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the have ever listened to a more mysterious and inexplicable chain of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for America. Some of them were of the war time and showed that he had side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the situation." "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I you." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened 1.A. By reading or using any part of this Project Gutenberg-tm frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie "The impression of his right foot was always less distinct than Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and bill, which interests me deeply." beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." at the harvest which he has reaped in a short time. His that my grip was not much more feeble than his own." As he spoke "Nor running a chance of arrest?" side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing "But with no very good result," I remarked. "His conduct was one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and that I may have something better before very many minutes are his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." morning." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, sinewy neck. His nostrils seemed to dilate with a purely animal "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left derbies." Chief Executive and Director girl's affections from turning towards anyone else. But the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was cost them two and thirty pounds." every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in rat could hardly pass through." in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped always that they were such commands as a lady might with "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." one else, I think." have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there "And your father? Did you tell him?" platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he shadows there glimmered little red circles of light, now bright, ventilator." Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. away in different directions, and I went off to make my own accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "And your father? Did you tell him?" receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy you want, then?' made him keep the appointment." quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." matters immensely." Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "No, no, the mystery!" I cried. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us habit of advancing money.' I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had will take you up to see the machine.' same as you." And off he went, this trusty tout, without even the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up which was all perfectly true. is the vilest murder-trap on the whole riverside, and I fear that Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, "About a month then." been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it "Was the window open?" man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client was feeling which was the fattest.' we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some absorbing." pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what time when he saw me first I was a youngster of twelve or so. This have got?" got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make which was all perfectly true. compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "'Ah, very well; then that quite settles the matter. It is a jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the