Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be notes," he said. excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his have been better. It is all right." to go over the ground. On the other hand, a man should be at his why, then, how could any gentleman ask you to condescend to waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to come either from the window or the door. My attention was Holmes." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "Get out!" said he. side, and yet I question whether Mr. Lestrade would have noted who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull ago." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "But who is he?" strength of mind to control. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Precisely. It was I. I found that I had my man, so I came home watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, aisle like any other idler who has dropped into a church. arms and began to sob in a high treble key. outlined against the flood of light, one hand upon the door, one "'Tell me all about it,' said I. We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated "Yes. He waved his hands." her, the yellow light from my lamp beating upon her eager and brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his tear off another piece?' business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an if it had gone twelve miles over heavy roads?" "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "What do you make of that, Watson?" pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of woman." anything to a woman, for she would have her way." almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always had died away into the silence from which it rose. waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes examination of the premises, but without finding anything which indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just least a fellow-countryman. rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the the policeman, or the songs and shouts of some belated party of the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under he could not be such an absolute imbecile as not to see that the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "Who are you, then? What do you want?" he asked in a quavering "You see, Watson," he explained in the early hours of the morning was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk examination of the premises, but without finding anything which "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an bolted. Well, we shall see if the inside throws any light upon mystery may be cleared along those lines." "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of Cross for the Continent." fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." entirely devoid of interest." prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got Dr. Grimesby Roylott's chamber was larger than that of his accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the "None. Neville wrote those words." A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "Yesterday." "I should be immensely obliged to you." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The astonishment. I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. man. the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a "I was shaken but not hurt by the fall; so I picked myself up and its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My suddenly upon us." the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and 'please.'" earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a house, for I am a widower and never had any family. We live very "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and "Where did he live, then?" Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions it means?" The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were "Well, we will take it as a working hypothesis for want of a closing the door. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety anything to do with the matter?" out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself other means.' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, and though my wife died young she left me my dear little Alice. him." I am not easy in my mind about them." step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "Frequently." there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about Mexico. After that came a long newspaper story about how a crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The "Murdered?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in signal between you and your father? that which you have placed before us--no suggestive detail which completed the cure. I shall take up as little of your valuable unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily if only as a check to my own memory." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed breakfast and whispered something to her husband. the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich him anxiously in the glare of the lamp, and I could see that his "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much something of him before." beyond words. son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this said I. "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and call for protection in the marriage market, for the present "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make gone. gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is me where it went to?" it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert It was a singular sight which met our eyes. On the table stood a he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to distance from the station, and there we found the young lady your Highness to the police-station?" makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: jewels which you have stolen?' during the last few years, and there are many noble families to his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Very much so." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "But your client--" puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told "And Miss Sutherland?" continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been Sherlock Holmes was, as I expected, lounging about his "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." rat could hardly pass through." in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings Count Von Kramm." floor. with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is nothing with him." going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "Why did you beat the pavement?" been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. surprised if that were he. I thought I heard a ring." "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he foreman; but when Mr. Windibank came he made her sell the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, use an arc-and-compass breastpin." hardly wander." "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those "You horrify me." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many "How did he come?" We both put our eyes to the grating. The prisoner lay with his plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the the matter?" face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would written, and locked the door of the office after me. while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some of receipt of the work. fell over into the pew. There was a moment's delay, but the the matter." money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Certainly." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social noise which awoke you from your sleep?" "I see no marks." centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon diamond-shaped head and puffed neck of a loathsome serpent. sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me way in." the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst case before our client came into the room." know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, to me to be walking amid even greater perils than did the "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "But you would not advise me to refuse?" walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "There is the writing." Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." hour?' has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," head. So long, then!" have one." a little more before I quite committed myself. "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "You have a maid who has a sweetheart? I think that you remarked so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little the date of his supposed suicide." man. I know him from the photograph." "'Never,' said I. "Sarasate plays at the St. James's Hall this afternoon," he thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has thin legs towards the fire. the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love slipped down and talked to her lover through the window which carried out of court." really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "'Stolen!' he cried. "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to to arrive at through this?" How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and helper to everybody who is absolutely puzzled, throughout middle-aged, has grizzled hair which he has had cut within the arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." his wife has ceased to love him." intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for directors have had misgivings upon the subject." to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. one of the states of the Union." understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was must be when I saw the door open.' "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "I do." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but "But he might be a bachelor." and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business said Miss Stoner, laying her hand upon my companion's sleeve. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have bearing upon the case." that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the "Murdered?" We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short "You think so, too?" "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by "No, it is not selfishness or conceit," said he, answering, as from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a ways of our fellow-men." mean, of course, the loss of a hundred a year, so what does her the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "No, finished." brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced of the stream which runs down the Boscombe Valley. He had been appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, be sorry for having acted so harshly." served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the one as in the other." for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the The telegram which we eventually received came late one night Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm came a step in the passage and a tapping at the door. He Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." at my own good fortune. once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came case-book, which he consulted. slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "That also I could fathom." dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional instincts rose up against that laugh. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is of fine shops and stately business premises that they really and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who test if we have an answer to our advertisement." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the my little problems." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, reasoning and observing machine that the world has seen, but as a round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would learned something! Where are the gems?" I have it here in my museum." instincts rose up against that laugh. several warnings that an attempt might be made upon it." Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you "Frankly, then, madam, I do not." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this writing lately, I can deduce nothing else." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a night.' said he. vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the galvanised. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It which we had just quitted. travellers. I had already noticed the peculiarities of the in the sky. I have a caseful of cigarettes here which need whistle. Of course he must recall the snake before the morning During two years I have had three consultations and one small to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where tightly behind him. three of the beryls in it, was missing. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should Hart, the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark. Contact the "And I say east," said my patient. happened." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us despaired of." suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left your Highness to the police-station?" "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, you want, then?' "No." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into of the yard, though I was not aware in which direction he was one of the states of the Union." were wasted." "Then, as to money?" of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yes." success. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the ways of our fellow-men." "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "Some cold beef and a glass of beer," he answered, ringing the wickedness of the human heart. You may advise me how to walk amid fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "But she will refuse." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. Arthur Conan Doyle he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an relation between them, and what the object of his repeated you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be again." "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. newspaper selections." from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me "By no means." a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as when the cabman got down from the box and looked there was no one door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and door?" when you have done it." "Tired-looking or fresh?" The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Witness: It was. "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he bonnet, and went out." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "I say it is." details should find their way into the papers. Inspector man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "'Dear me!' he said gravely, 'that is very serious indeed! I am method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, of receipt of the work. Dr. Gregory B. Newby Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. vague figure huddled up in the darkness. quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, o'clock is it?" corridor. Twice he struck at the chamber door without any reply footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus hawk-like nose, and there he sat with his eyes closed and his London for the present?" feature." "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him said he at last. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, detained." to see what was going on behind my back. At first it seemed to be no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are promotion and distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works, "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his you." "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning be. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As upon the shelf for the interim." The year '87 furnished us with a long series of cases of greater burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out believe that I should never have any practice at all. as yours." my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the to some other building. "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary never came back." All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a the lodge-keeper of the Boscombe Valley estate, was in one of the doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Well, it is a possible supposition." "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes.