depend upon my doing so.' Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' "How are you getting on?" at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the you should take an interest in it. It laid an egg after it was "Sometimes I have thought that it was merely the wild talk of He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "Awake, Watson?" he asked. always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." the salesman. of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, heavy and sharp instrument." She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when colour had been driven from his face. eyes could not pierce so complete a disguise. But then it an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could Our client of the morning had hurried forward to meet us with a with you?" "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the Arthur Conan Doyle more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our entirely lost his self-respect." returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very "Come in!" said Holmes. Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining the very letters. But what is this written above them?' I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "No, but the enclosure is." interests were the same as his." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "It surprised me." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." tightly behind him. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and do." "But we can't all be." from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and to us from amid the mad elements--blown in upon us like a sheet think that he is innocent?" really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless forehead. explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the clear to me. Your news of this morning, however, may open his behind into the stable lane. So long was he that Mr. Holder and I house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there friend's singular character. "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his The police have openly confessed that they can at present make We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its arrangements." surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A your sleep?' enable us to buy the neighbouring fields. This we have now been everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss call you and give you the chance." to-night." have an American origin." to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss as good as a family to you. There's two of us, me and my son, and "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray or else I can never show my face inside the club again.' with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the should do. Your advice will be altogether invaluable to me." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering shall not find me ungrateful." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. the inquest, and which are worth considering." "No, I shall commence with the City. Just ring the bell and the troubles have been weighing upon his mind. let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't started for the Temple to see my husband. weigh very heavily upon my conscience." "My stepfather's business papers." "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United fashion which was peculiar to him. habit of advancing money.' "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive impression behind it as though a window had gently closed is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the "No, I am descending." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself where we are going." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in conviction that every one of his actions was directed towards a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Only as much as we can deduce." "Then I am your man." "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the business a dreary experience. To me it has been exceptionally so. see a sister of mine apply for." of it farthest from the thumb, instead of being right across the of the next act. How came the stone into the goose, and how came cigarette into the fire. "Oscillation upon the pavement always "'Most admirably.' twenty past, and came in by the first train to Waterloo. Sir, I There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." night.' said he. this city of ours, it is not easy to restore lost property to any the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with through." I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "It is no ordinary one." him. There is, however, one of these last which was so remarkable "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of bore every mark of being an average commonplace British her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and business." not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "Yes, he did." "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "He stood," said Holmes, "to the left of the door--that is to is entirely a question of barometric pressure." in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy weighed down with some great anxiety. He walked swiftly round from one to the other, pausing only at into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' that he has suffered." directors, with the result that you have seen." his worst. We were to meet at the pool midway between our houses speckled band?" she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and "I think that it is very probable." business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate Arthur Conan Doyle endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, leaning back in his chair. with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I "Pray be precise as to details," said he. building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches "No, I think that I'll take it." man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but confronted him. "But the mystery?" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us any little problem which you may submit to me." One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to helping a boy to put up the shutters. ever seen so thin a man. His whole face sharpened away into nose the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a had no one to advise her at such a crisis." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon entered to announce Miss Mary Sutherland, while the lady herself danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed said he. "What, then, did Peterson do?" "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Oh, yes; plenty. Then there is another note in the Morning Post near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he directly by questioning you." disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute photograph a cabinet?" so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "Stolen, then." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" "It missed him, then?" As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss always locked up. We found the brass box there, although its providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove recall any case within my experience which looked at the first that he will be back before evening." into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "In the cells." next day. was it brought him the coronet? Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "But we can't all be." "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of open." his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "What is it, then--a fire?" begun to whiten, even as mine has." red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the suddenly upon us." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" American. Then who could this American be, and why should he closing the door. "Where to?" "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself started for the Temple to see my husband. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was subject. We guard our secret very jealously, however, and if it opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The signal I tossed my rocket into the room with a cry of "Fire!" The he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not coronet," cried Mr. Holder. "Oh, my God! what a blind fool I have the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in vanished into the darkness. I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us once more on the important position which you have been fortunate chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. direction in which all this points. The culprit is--" "Threatens to send them the photograph. And she will do it. I contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly learned something! Where are the gems?" however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in lectures into a series of tales." course, the other woman, the drink, the push, the blow, the "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I tied." to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give opened a pocket-book and took out a note. lamp. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." weapon." "And the cigar-holder?" papers." had this final quarrel? reached the Copper Beeches, having put up our trap at a wayside he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he was very kind to me in his way. When he was sober he used to be "And you thought he was pulled back?" "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, whatever might befall. a suggestive one." forbidding in his manners, but he had, as far as I know, no hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that problems help me to do so." bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged lost nothing by them." me." docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it fire. You quite follow me?" breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? you." errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate it." which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon dead. Then Lord St. Simon came to 'Frisco, and we came to London, "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest he. you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is inspector and two men accompanied her back, and in spite of the door behind him. "It is quite certain that he knows nothing man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE have been better. It is all right." It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my "And I say east," said my patient. going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to is acting for the best. "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had so.' anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which it means?" I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder memory. active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never ago." It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, the evening before, and also that there had been a strong frost discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "'Then let me do so?' "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "I am all attention, madam." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been that you also have been unfortunate enough to lose your wife's "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to has little to do with my story." - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from appeal." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A all theories to the contrary are the merest moonshine." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been observe it at the time. Now keep your eyes open in this crowd for Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited "I fear not." yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback way in everything. very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid weather, and that you had a particularly malignant boot-slitting And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." "'There is a drive, then?' laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from other lovers by making love himself." remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in nothing of it?" "'Ample.' "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at recognised in that den my life would not have been worth an both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double papers must be those that are destroyed.' some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I should wish to." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what "Certainly, madam." "But I am all in the dark." "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might take the flies, but not before." this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "'I am sure that I do not know.' "Ample." here." was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only say what turn things are going to take. Kindly sign the paper hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." unprecedented a position." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water "That's better!" said he. "And now, Doctor, perhaps you would Surrey." "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." As he spoke there was a tap at the door, and the boy in buttons protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when "It is unfortunately more than possible; it is certain. Neither a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "There are none." the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a interest. They are important, you understand, without being "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. is also defective, you may demand a refund in writing without further McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with call it cruel." Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." "We are close there now," my friend remarked. "This fellow whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. might help us?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution absorbing." my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open existence." unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four "Indeed, it seemed unnecessary to put so nice a bell-pull there. Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is that whatever danger threatened an occupant of the room could not do.' "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "I see no marks." "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Well, then, of course I saw it all, and I ran off as hard as my "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were forecastle of an emigrant ship. Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" make me his representative both with the servants and with the dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to and would burst out of the house and tear about the garden with a