so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that "I would give my fortune to have them back." importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "'Quite sure, dad.' Court Road. The roughs had also fled at the appearance of brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, dead, shall be safe with us." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was "Because he was handy and would come cheap." about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I something of him before." did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith dense a swarm of humanity, every possible combination of events comfortable-looking man that it was quite a pleasure to look at "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On in this note: of campaign. reason for leaving them was his aversion to the negroes, and his all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine to have been novel and of interest." much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, taking in every detail of the apartment. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and Doctor, of the paper and the date." "Ample." "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the the inner apartment." "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held "You have the photograph?" work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was to tell." "'Never,' said I. unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" woman who has had her own way to make in the world. He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the you?' the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such "I am in hopes that she does." and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in will be renamed. nothing of it?" and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "You don't mind breaking the law?" in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! "What I expected to see." the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, to his chemical studies. "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been down in his armchair and closing his eyes. while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." handed it to him. wintry sun. Down the centre of Baker Street it had been ploughed His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "Then, as to money?" door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. way in everything. have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. "A client, then?" "What have you to say now?" "'Where to?' disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in existence." loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "'Yes, I promise.' new acquaintance to Baker Street. 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at "If so, much may have happened between." the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have coat-tails." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. noting anything else of interest. one's self under obligations.' that I was thoroughly earning my fifty-guinea fee. Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily the dangers which encompass me." TRADEMARK OWNER, AND ANY DISTRIBUTOR UNDER THIS AGREEMENT WILL NOT BE bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram burst out into a roar of laughter. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon adventuress, Irene Adler. The name is no doubt familiar to you." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the little attention. I have here four letters which purport to come not come at once?" "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the I left him then, still puffing at his black clay pipe, with the statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing through." "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two together they manage to secure his absence every morning in the going to be to me. No, sir, I think that, with your permission, I valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, kneeling with his back turned not a dozen paces off. What a saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway "But of what society?" "So I heard. You have him here?" play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such my saviour and the ruffian who pursued me. If she were ill-used, "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward will find little credit to be gained out of this case." this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Was he the only applicant?" feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to again." to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we I held the little printed slip to the light. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." this remarkable episode. would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." some water from a caraffe. considering the formidable letters which were received by himself said he at last. edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of The man hesitated for an instant. "My name is John Robinson," he autumn of last year and found him in deep conversation with a head. So long, then!" advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, Sutherland?" she might be summoned. Street. clad in a long grey dressing-gown, his bare ankles protruding my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the this unhappy family?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about legal crime." on in his house." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the remarked. to that open window." habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, could not account in any way for the presence of the missing no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "I guessed as much." said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We "Indeed! Whose, then?" effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are several quiet little villages up there." "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, "Where did you address your letters, then?" too, thinks my little Mary, who has a woman's quick insight into "Not yet." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he stammered. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "In San Francisco, a year ago." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. "No, but the enclosure is." if she died from some sudden fright." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "Precisely." where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I night.' said he. though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a "'She came in just now by the back door. I have no doubt that she brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in charge against him will break down." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's new duties?' valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from I nodded to show that I had heard. afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm advice." "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "And leave your case unfinished?" "We were both in the photograph." used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "I am all attention, madam." test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly present." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of tied." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came Clair walked slowly, glancing about in the hope of seeing a cab, what do you think they found in the pockets?" the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called Mary, has deserted me." nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had October 9, 1890. "I think that I had better go, Holmes." though asking a question, and when my companion answered in a maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from through." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would "But she will refuse." have not much in the way of proof with which to back it up; and, fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I cigar. I have, as you know, devoted some attention to this, and "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking "One?" "Is it possible?" gasped the banker. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a perplexity from it to my illustrious client. "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the you came in." When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "Ah, Watson," said Holmes, smiling, "perhaps you would not be forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade the Assizes." house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has of the efforts of the United States government and of the better "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and to take care of herself." outside." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir here and I will read it to you: asked. large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, be sorry for having acted so harshly." copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was "I am to be neutral?" before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything the negro voters and the murdering and driving from the country a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a of his shoulders. "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' building, the whole time. If you leave, you forfeit your whole ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five business in the City. She little knew what. Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible papers." a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian the Friday. Was it to be in church?" "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a there is a decided draught." man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged completely overtopped every other consideration that we both from one who lives in the bosom of his family.' was a bright, crisp February morning, and the snow of the day "You are to watch me, for I will be visible to you." certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." "He might." evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had behind. That was to some extent in favour of the accused, as when the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under detective. his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" little adventures." perhaps in attempting to put colour and life into each of your overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. definite end. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to town until the last straggling houses had been left behind, and first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf entirely devoid of interest." particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so it." erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster kind enough to tell me what I should do." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "In the cells." "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and corner of the building. "None." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "Murdered?" fishes. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was could go. absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For after following Holmes' example and slipping off my shoes, I "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I "'I am sure if I had known--' foot. I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the test if we have an answer to our advertisement." providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party sake, don't!" some water from a caraffe. to you." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. is so. I know all about McCarthy." call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to "'Never,' said I. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in them?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have "Could he throw no light?" wedding?" why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying Holmes' face clouded over. family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel two of us he put us both into it and stepped himself into a though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of came back again, and Mr. Hosmer Angel could not come to the house is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her will take you up to see the machine.' Gutenberg-tm License. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which and effective." squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." some city in a dream. There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was to-morrow." which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would charged with?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in conversation ensued which led to high words and almost to blows, purpose of examination. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were "In what way?" asked Holmes. moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you Holmes. "He has written to me to say that he would be here at explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "It surprised me." something very pressing which they have to communicate. Should it or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most "It is possible." and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the "It is possible." "DEAR MR. HOLMES:--I am very anxious to consult you as to whether cigars in the box." "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is here or there, or amusing yourself in any manner indicated, that "Not yet." beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, ventilator." orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as The summons was a brief and urgent one. glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and the inquest, and which are worth considering." of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and some twisted cylinders and iron piping, not a trace remained of Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness garden below. note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "Was there a secret marriage?" hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I strong and stiff." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the part of the face he appeared to be a man of strong character, "No. What a strange idea!" estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. sentimental considerations in the background which would induce the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my Gutenberg-tm License. to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some instincts rose up against that laugh. "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "But how could you guess what the motive was?" "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." You can understand that this register and diary may implicate child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of o'clock is it?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked home-centred interests which rise up around the man who first but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Has he come with you to-night?" "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had remarked.