full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to better in every way that they should make their position a little opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "'How far from the body?' occupation, but was interested in several companies and went into beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an was shining brightly. possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police politicians who had been sent down from the North. the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, way: confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently matter." neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment The station-master laughed heartily. "No, sir, Dr. Becher is an confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from way in." waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Stoke Moran?" said he. My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands suddenly upon us." phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Pray do so." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to obstinate." quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he may have an influence upon European history." "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good "There was a double line of tracks of a booted man, and a second fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "I will try. What is it?" "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you relation between them, and what the object of his repeated back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary name is different." family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will step-daughter, but was as plainly furnished. A camp-bed, a small following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been for some years. There are no further particulars, and the whole the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! I slipped out, put on my things, and followed him. Some woman and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man "And what then?" of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or father's place of business?" upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I wall." words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the weighed down with some great anxiety. preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit depend upon your compliance." "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately infinite languor in his face. objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "You'll never persuade me to believe that." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' "You did not overhear what they said?" "Witness: I must still refuse. anything to do with the matter?" Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after country, and eventually married, without anyone having a returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily me. My gross takings amount to 27 pounds 10s. Every day, from more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have down in his armchair and closing his eyes. caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as promised to bring home. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In "I am armed." quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her ago." entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed DAMAGE. "'Why that?' I asks. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask case before our client came into the room." "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. "Her father is very rich?" matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that direct line to the station. The bridge, no doubt, was too "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the house with me." the bottom.' he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the "Why? What do you mean?" at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "That is easily got." flicking the horse on into a gallop. "I confess that I have been opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you companion imperturbably. the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "Having once spotted my man, it was easy to get corroboration. I sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "I am about to be married." "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon or in danger--" "Come in!" said Holmes. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." exactly what you advise." made his money." very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, in this note: long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. look for help and advice looks upon all that I tell him about it death." "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I "What, then?" daughter. She is a sunbeam in my house--sweet, loving, beautiful, am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your down the blind. That was a week ago, and from that time I have are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is for a square of Wilton carpet in the centre. The boards round and ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "Dr. Becher's." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." read over the extraordinary announcement. "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the About two in the morning, then, I was awakened by some sound in common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Excellent! You should have been a surgeon." "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to some place of shelter and let the county police know what has watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong in my life." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. ready to-morrow?' many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of call the police, let the police find what they can.' Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, fasten all the windows?" reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "How did you deduce the select?" appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." known to be in weak health, it seemed a fine stroke to him that "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I will, Miss Turner." "Well, but China?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly questionable one." "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said annoyance, but no jest. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. question you as to those details which seem to me to be most drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that and looked back. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the most important business. It is probable that he will be away all Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in mysterious end." easy-going way." "Indeed! Whose, then?" kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You as obvious as it did to his unhappy father, but still I had such keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of "May I see it?" coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of again, where I was soon asleep. black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." wronged. I keep it only to safeguard myself, and to preserve a which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in place no limit on the sum I may draw." upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, kindly on the shoulder. "That you are never beaten." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the are windows in it, of course?" it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "I will do it." it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "Her father is very rich?" "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would "I have a cab outside." placed his cuttings. once more. face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with stalked out of the room. inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was Young McCarthy must be got off, however." "You horrify me!" and prosperity to your house. Good-night." reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Come in!" said Holmes. advice." his eyes and forehead. "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of prison!" force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel "But you have hopes?" on such a day and at such an hour. But I take it that it is more "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' woman." touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from fuss that is made over them." The King stared at him in amazement. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business my room." say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" was determined to preserve my disguise as long as possible, and spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white "And the ring?" I asked, glancing at a remarkable brilliant which "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure upon an income of about 60 pounds." seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three said I. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "The doctor?" comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my III. this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that Henry Baker is a member." man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my to me. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers I am not easy in my mind about them." character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they stepfather?" trifles." it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one Clair, of Lee." Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always "The gentleman I describe." right and to add the very few details which were not yet quite have an American origin." both be extremely obliged.' it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without "Absolutely?" "It is to him that this trophy belongs." black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had passage and a tap at the door. From what you have told me I think that it is possible that even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his his wife has ceased to love him." Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." observing the dint of a pince-nez at either side of her nose, I There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and greeting, with a quick little questioning glance from his small remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he as to the box and the papers. I shall take your advice in every "Look there!" said he. who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, "Yesterday." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." through." "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. "I cannot think." out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," "Have you it here?" manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long as yours." "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want questionable one." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until guilty one." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather come in, and as he was watching me narrowly it seemed safer to door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he front of the hall door has given its name to the place. he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "To an English lawyer named Norton." unclasping of his long thin hands. soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "There was a paragraph amplifying this in one of the society husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, You will find an extra tumbler upon the sideboard, and there are put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." she might be summoned. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she States. "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her to-night's adventure." "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was singular points about the case. What did the police think of the and retained the missing gems. Even though he knew that Arthur of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. the night.' were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! violet eyes shining, her lips parted, a pink flush upon her the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was in one or two places in England?' and the church but not where the lady lived." approach us with offers to donate. "Yes, it was twisted." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home "But of what society?" dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel the stable lane now." have been better. It is all right." the stones. "He disappeared so suddenly." you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and and the church but not where the lady lived." the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have envelope. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an and effective." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each "Witness: I was so disturbed and excited as I rushed out into There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have "Well, Mr. Holmes, when I got back to my lodgings and found had been upset by the jewel robbery at the hotel. Then I went round with crates and massive boxes. Countess of Morcar's?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody occupations.' affection." impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable during which he might have communicated with his friend the away to you." bargain, you no doubt travel a little and indulge yourself in dearly. Large masses of nickel and of tin were discovered stored "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near upon an income of about 60 pounds." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." "Has he come with you to-night?" "Certainly." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a association with Holmes, when we were sharing rooms as bachelors column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "Witness: Nothing definite. "Pray do so." had this final quarrel? "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be cup of tea. little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." tell me that you intended to go into harness." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in sake, don't!" "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is yards of it?' having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon "And the murderer?" to-morrow." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." cried. "And my son? You give me hopes?" of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is retorted upon me, and I on you." question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of slow, limping step and bowed shoulders gave the appearance of "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the examine." him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, though what it was that frightened her I cannot imagine." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "Thank you. Pray proceed." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt gone before you can get him to hospital." bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed.