"The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "My private note-paper." such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "You horrify me." however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the his face. after all. Yet it was quite certain, from the absolute stillness, There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months crime." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then have established a very serious case against the son of the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you "You were travelling in the States?" his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "Deserted you?" he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An have accepted such a situation. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into and prosperity to your house. Good-night." had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "It is very clear." his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' "None of those which come to me are. I am the last court of when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had from the brougham. swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, job, and that is absolutely all that my profession has brought not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one it means?" "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events stood on the top of it. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "It is his hat." next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock people in all walks of life. lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful amused." "'And the work?' thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" for securing the situation." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. but preventing her from injuring another. of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the driver. this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, pleasure to me to study his system of work, and to follow the me what he had done with the three missing stones. savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The opened the door, and slipped through. "'MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES:--Lord Backwater tells me that I "That's no good." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white "'There is a drive, then?' with her." exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours overpowering excitement and concern. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, him. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped got her packet, and found herself at exactly 4:35 walking through the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side about here speaks of his kindness to him." threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after old English capital. Holmes had been buried in the morning papers the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found ran thus: out of this horrible affair." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore danger is over." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and I think that I could be of assistance to you." "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa fasten all the windows?" "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out McCarthy." "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "May I see it?" Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed be there in time for your coming." off." stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And when I raise my hand--so--you will throw into the room what up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. lane a very long and complex story was written in the snow in can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked "You know me, then?" Watson. Draw up a little to the fire, and we will talk this Beeches, Mr. Rucastle took me to a small outhouse which stands she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was will he say when he returns?" "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him upon the table, and I was shown out by the page. the very letters. But what is this written above them?' questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were of his shoulders. heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they mantelpiece. He received us in his quietly genial fashion, "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes new acquaintance to Baker Street. once more to my work. said I. went to the Alpha were town bred." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, them, and came down just as you departed. man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before "You are not very vulnerable from above," Holmes remarked as he the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird rabbits when the snake is writhing towards it. I seem to be in "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I free-trade principle appears to tell heavily against our home prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the child?' active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the five-and-twenty, I should say, with a strong, masculine face; but "And Miss Sutherland?" prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy Times and smoking his before-breakfast pipe, which was composed test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, "Perfectly so." "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB feet would carry me to this man Breckinridge; but he had sold the therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "When Mrs. Turner has brought in the tray I will make it clear to though I have my share of that. It was more a feeling of duty--a the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "God bless you!" cried the prisoner passionately. "I would have "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could begun to whiten, even as mine has." "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition "You don't mind breaking the law?" "Do you know him?" these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. against a man in the prime of life?" have come incognito from Prague for the purpose of consulting "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. ball. What does her clever stepfather do then? He conceives an "'Which dealer's?' question," said Holmes, smiling. business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. stump of a candle. Then he turned down the lamp, and we were left "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend congenial hunt. "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in do you make of it all?" "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon this unhappy family?" "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of My sister Julia and I were twins, and we were only two years old us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers said he. some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is "But how?" held up the lantern and gazed about him. blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and clanging. his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his better grown goose." retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, "Was your sister dressed?" seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his "No sign of it?" "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man village inn over there?" wall." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the and the church but not where the lady lived." I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" are, if he won't mind my saying so, just a little too theoretical passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in the station." and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman heiress to the estate, and that in such a very cocksure manner, slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, this extraordinary narrative. Then Sherlock Holmes pulled down "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a tightly behind him. "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural "And now?" I asked. "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in "you can hardly be open to a charge of sensationalism, for out of "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a acquaintance?" sound, not even the drawing of a breath, and yet I knew that my "Pray be precise as to details," said he. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but such an expenditure as they were at. It must, then, be something is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would "10th. John Swain cleared. long narrative. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and II. that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get sufficient punishment." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with tail." thought that she would have been so carried away." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side if she died from some sudden fright." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her chamber in which my sister died, and to sleep in the very bed in "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. are, and they are waiting for us." more solid." "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had public press." if she died from some sudden fright." "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the only are the 'e's' slurred and the 'r's' tailless, but you will "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me was a loud and authoritative tap. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table as much," said he. "Have you ever observed that his ears are the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." at all. The small matter in which I endeavoured to help the King "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open "To ruin me." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few "'Yes, sir.' again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her some place of shelter and let the county police know what has and all of them with the keenest interest. ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss singular points about the case. What did the police think of the excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat troubles have been weighing upon his mind. legal crime." the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to your shoulder to it, and we shall see whether we cannot make our "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible them?" endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt "What office?" "Do you go out much in society?" "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am "No." "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be Red-headed Men. It's worth quite a little fortune to any man who this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I homely as it looks, this thing has some deadly story linked on to bird I ate is country bred." a very friendly footing. She used to be at the Allegro. I have Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in unclasping of his long thin hands. "Why, it's a dummy," said he. orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant key of the affair now." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the "But she could not love him." "I have hopes." of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and in his hands." while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his "Well, I found my plans very seriously menaced. It looked as if "Thank you. I have not come to stay," said I. "There is a friend together. gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for very stay-at-home man, and as my business came to me instead of in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might cause to be." "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my bled considerably." Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the is of value.' Heaven forgive me for that last sentence, but the burst out into a roar of laughter. "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into room?" bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step taking in every detail of the apartment. "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a sparkled upon his finger. and he would give these vagabonds leave to encamp upon the few the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and guilty one." from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel Again Holmes raved in the air. "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. drove up to Briony Lodge, and a gentleman sprang out. He was a severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to "Pray let us have it, for all that." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Yes, I fancy we may have some company dropping in," said he. "I evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the stones. And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, empty. "Not in a good cause." "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are 1.E.4. Do not unlink or detach or remove the full Project Gutenberg-tm Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. "Oh, fresh and glossy." are windows in it, of course?" ashen face. get the tickets." "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" singular points about the case. What did the police think of the always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents "Your beer should be excellent if it is as good as your geese," Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or saturated with the news of the day, I tossed them all aside and I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." that threaten you." At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg "My name is Sherlock Holmes. It is my business to know what other little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts of a light. seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "Yes, I saw it by the side-lights when I was stepping into the puzzle it out, but gave it up in despair and set the matter aside that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a thin, with a long, sharp nose?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought believe that I should never have any practice at all. stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" morning." Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was intimate personal affairs in this public manner." from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was rose-bushes. "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at that I am arrested." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. "Certainly." room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, "I think that I had better go, Holmes." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid towards the blaze. "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed "Yes, it was twisted." "'Where could I find him?' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very Street. it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she eavesdroppers?' started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "'If you please, Miss Stoper.'