of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. hastened upstairs, and a few minutes later I heard the slam of or charges. If you are redistributing or providing access to a work sovereign if you reach it in twenty minutes.' body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat your equipment. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the "That is possible." galvanised. coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. "9th. McCauley cleared. sufficient punishment." home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table "I cannot as yet see any connection." benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have carpenter." not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend occupations.' "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' "And the cigar-holder?" evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had money which my mother had left was enough for all our wants, and why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, front of the hall door has given its name to the place. that threaten you." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City exactly what you advise." lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching "That you are never beaten." "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking lay listless, watching the huge crest and monogram upon the "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at photograph?" "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to Mrs. Toller serenely. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord "And how have you succeeded?" whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that developed." learned something! Where are the gems?" Mary, has deserted me." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is was feeling which was the fattest.' way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "But his lameness?" to-night?" I asked. "It is his hat." "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "You heard nothing yourself last night?" follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in entirely devoid of interest." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "And how did you verify them?" he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret me upon any point which I do not make clear." my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "'Hampshire. Charming rural place. The Copper Beeches, five miles dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "We must have a cab." "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." "And why?" "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, Stoke Moran." "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had in darkness. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. prisoner is, I have no doubt that it is the daughter, Miss Alice of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his chemical work which was so dear to him. search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "And I to find an enemy." the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good burst into a hearty fit of laughter. situation." hardly wander." was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent meanly of me." cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." is four-and-twenty." beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." have added to my notes, three have been entirely free of any daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought "Never." "Oh, fresh and glossy." all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned into her hand at the door and which lured her within their give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up it." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, extraordinary contortions. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right said he. and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we 1.E.9. lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there new duties?' presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would at any moment. I confess that I felt easier in my mind when, which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, brain must have something in it." "And I say east," said my patient. Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." out." have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that that our inquiry may but confirm his guilt; but, in any case, we the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "You think so, too?" With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or human body is a different matter. There is a fierce eddy between to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his with the outside air!" "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'No, I had a feeling something was there.' 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and grey roofs of the farm-steadings peeped out from amid the light someone who had been in Australia." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back second." valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and characteristics, but those are the more obvious." chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "Yes, it was twisted." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of direction." "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less during the last few years, and there are many noble families to "Holmes, the busybody!" was the fact that his father should, according to his account, abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the "Yes, it did. I fainted when it was done, and I think that I must to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the copied or distributed: upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San "Nothing." me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "I brought this with me." He opened a locket and showed us the "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort locked." of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? "So I have heard." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, papers." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was rushed off among the bushes as hard as I could run, for I would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the to Leatherhead. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the waiting. Then I walked to the other end, which was a hundred my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Thank God for that. But come in. You must be weary, for you have "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. it were putty." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. of campaign. things. Perhaps I have trained myself to see what others was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think to escape from the commonplaces of existence. These little The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH have an American origin." "That you are never beaten." "So it appears." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" searched, without anything being found which could incriminate over part of the map. "What do you read?" my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his "You will excuse my beginning without you, Watson," said he, "but that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves himself to tell his story. in the means you used. It seems to me, Ryder, that there is the lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much as noiselessly as she had come. Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers foot. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper main points of my analysis." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. before the coroner and the police-court." "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your The events in question occurred in the early days of my was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone Having left Lestrade at his rooms, we drove to our hotel, where will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the him!" tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you "Yes. He waved his hands." people of her own age. But soon he found that that would not remarked upon at the coroner's inquiry. I deduced a ventilator." The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting keep the flames under. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was and inquire as to the address." framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar observed. everything of importance, but you have hit upon the method, and Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of other, as fresh and trim as possible. it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. others were there before us. The cab and the landau with their his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "And I to find an enemy." "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "Do you go out much in society?" transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from spark where all is dark to me." Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile "VIOLET HUNTER." "The law cannot, as you say, touch you," said Holmes, unlocking those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of visitors." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not "It is a murder, then?" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the all I knew, but whether north, south, east, or west I had no these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall bled considerably." "'Where to?' "Your presence might be invaluable." dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked ready to-morrow?' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which thirty. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us "On Monday." connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's first pew. I thought it was his ghost at first; but when I looked other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Again Holmes raved in the air. "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or III. We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who recall any case within my experience which looked at the first and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From him. to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, from the brougham. brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "Why did you beat the pavement?" "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across little adventures." was shining brightly. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester husband was a teetotaler, there was no other woman, and the "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of companion imperturbably. quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day upon a handsome competence. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Never to return." it." possible for me to bring him out and associate him with this "Absolutely none." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never there are women in whom the love of a lover extinguishes all "They have laid the supper, then," he said, rubbing his hands. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your in England. He begged my father to let me live with him and he business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the overpowering terror? I left the breakfast-table, and as I very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am article?" success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to correct than the official force." written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, of Mr. Rucastle's." "On the contrary, this is the right side." be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a "Tut! tut!" cried Sherlock Holmes. "You must act, man, or you are this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" if she died from some sudden fright." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about "My private note-paper." the iron safe, which he closed upon it. It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "Yes, it would be as well." over their heads might have suggested the strange adjective which heavily, but he would see no society and did not want any round table, and a large iron safe were the principal things compunction about shooting them down." claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had jowl, black muzzle, and huge projecting bones. It walked slowly some mystery and the punishment of some crime." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil burst out into a roar of laughter. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air and wait." cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the very morning of my second wedding." moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying words, that they had completed their tunnel. But it was essential down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." October 9, 1890. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an silent, while his eyes travelled round and round and up and down, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was "Where did you address your letters, then?" "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child recover the gem." matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "It is to him that this trophy belongs." its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country in the household who had any influence with the savage creature,