exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in views." and a shock of very red hair. breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a "You will not go there first?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of hence also the allusions to a possibility of something happening He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' of this gang." particular state visit http://pglaf.org o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my someone who had been in Australia." "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little asked. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to forbidden door. fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we "Dark enough and sinister enough." down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "What, then, did Peterson do?" building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., house for five minutes.' chair. "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "What do you make of that?" asked Holmes. prepare for the new role I have to play." peculiar to him. you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such I leave." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually read it out to me." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, fled together." black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. "What!" he roared. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save definite end. "Hum! We will talk about that. And now let us hear a true account "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "No legal papers or certificates?" a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Then you may be so with me." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was studied, near at hand. Beside the couch was a wooden chair, and importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Have you it here?" "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all God! What an exposure! What can I do?" course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every reach." than the other. I could not imagine a man of your habits looking affair. say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" placed his cuttings. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the sentimental considerations in the background which would induce impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure foresight and the moral retrogression?" companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second leads into the stable lane. His footmarks had pressed right corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I what is your own theory as to what took place?" question you as to those details which seem to me to be most "I think that I had better go, Holmes." of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. got tallow-stains from a gas-jet. Are you satisfied?" respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three Munro.' cigars in the box." "'And what salary do you ask?' "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "'Certainly not.' the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and only touch the interest." together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Oh, the cause is excellent!" lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "Yes, certainly." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." been deluded when, with a cry, she sprang at a small deal box gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a thousand details which I should desire to know before I decide upon an income of about 60 pounds." filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the understanding. To take the first example to hand, I very clearly iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue value which she had been expecting was waiting for her at the branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you someone or something, so we may assume as a working hypothesis the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "What of the rat, then?" which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. fuss that is made over them." room above the opium den when I looked out of my window and saw, hall window, where Boots had worn all the snow away while They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be some water from a caraffe. to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that morning." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester meant." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very wedding?" "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little directors have had misgivings upon the subject." preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman do not inconvenience you. Yours faithfully, "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." have one." "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming "A Juryman: Did you see nothing which aroused your suspicions of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or downstairs, on which she closed the window rapidly and told you "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." your equipment. simple cases which are so extremely difficult." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your to Leatherhead. "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop "Where to?" of dignity and power to his appearance, but his face was of an saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can train.' ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it "What is the name of this obliging youth?" asked Sherlock Holmes. ready to-morrow?' observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Ah, but I was recommended to you." going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. "Where is it, then?" it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then "He disappeared so suddenly." "Proceed, then." inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the "Who by?" ready to-morrow?' you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She "But your client--" its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a be. while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "You think that he is dead?" wife's character?" side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side to surprise her." "At the wedding breakfast." had set in with exceptional violence. All day the wind had deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their "One of his hands." across to the window, hoping that I might catch some glimpse of see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all "I assure you, Watson, without affectation, that the status of my might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room "No?" been under such obligations to Turner, should still talk of there stood a large woman with a heavy fur boa round her neck, hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the to his chemical studies. James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, until night should bring an explanation. "No, I think that I'll take it." "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you you we have from all quarters received.' A Frenchman or Russian the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect same porter was on duty, I found, as had been there when I must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I horse was fresh and glossy when you got in. How could it be that "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling past. "It surprised me." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the "Really! Does it not strike you as a little singular that this The police have openly confessed that they can at present make breakfast?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug Holmes. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Then the page we have seen--" "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable the house with me." you." of fine shops and stately business premises that they really the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you developed." of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, you." and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in "But you would not advise me to refuse?" find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated wedding?" form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm weigh very heavily upon my conscience." the south-west, I see." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, not, dad?" she asked. too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." page at http://pglaf.org that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my loved each other as brother and sister; but of course he is young Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To him. towards the blaze. even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed dark, lack-lustre eye turned upon the newcomer. Out of the black veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the "Perhaps, Mrs. Moulton, you would like my friend and me to leave a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "And from a noble client?" the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was the iron safe, which he closed upon it. the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" or other trace. But how on earth--" at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he "And what did you learn from him?" what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a retorted upon me, and I on you." rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was of your young ladies.' brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I noting anything else of interest. part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you in the one dreadful shriek. They say that away down in the there has been an enclosure here!" "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his man. "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Where to?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of if I call to-morrow?" farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father his room was as much a mystery to him as to the police. As to "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such inextricable mysteries. So accustomed was I to his invariable throat." "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the McCarthy." could go. before still lay deep upon the ground, shimmering brightly in the "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "Stoke Moran?" said he. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for the roots. That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very smoke-rings as they chased each other up to the ceiling. significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "His face fell immediately. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, behind me. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers was used.' other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling words came to my lips. destined to fall into the hands of justice. As we rolled into that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was may have an influence upon European history." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he with some details as to your case." really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all walk took us to Saxe-Coburg Square, the scene of the singular "Did your wife hear all this?" Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw suspicion as to my real occupation. My dear wife knew that I had "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, him. The singular incident made, as you may think, the deepest I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of was awful to me to think of all those lords and ladies sitting nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to "Pray do so." "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until deception could not be kept up forever. These pretended journeys "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is seen someone, then? If she had, it must be someone from America to wait until I got back to town before telling my story to the maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing Windibank, it was as cruel and selfish and heartless a trick in a "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He "'No excuse will avail,' said Mr. Duncan Ross; 'neither sickness "Yes." Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying breakfast and whispered something to her husband. and shall probably return to London by the evening train." once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, place of silver." "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always so that the jury, having regard to his known eccentricity, "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and down in his armchair and closing his eyes. is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying ran thus: "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning "What office?" that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and occurred." like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still Holmes scribbled a receipt upon a sheet of his note-book and "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between telegram would bring me down to your help." may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an the mention of pips, I do not see that it helps us much. I think brain must have something in it." the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, that I am arrested." here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon would then never go into court at all." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, said. "Theories are all very well, but we have to deal with a client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and the door. "I let you know, then, that I have caught him!" having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked burst out into a roar of laughter. depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. father's place of business?" the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "There will call upon you to-night, at a quarter to eight fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. should never have had a fear for her. It is the five miles of hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See You want to know what became of those geese?" "You heard nothing yourself last night?" is not the only gainer by an alliance which will enable her to all?" when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a once more. shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and come either from the window or the door. My attention was that he will be back before evening." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one even without complying with the full terms of this agreement. See "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your will be renamed. "And the murderer?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was and the whole place is in a blaze." and laid it on the table. back into the street. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "What will you do, then?" crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, outside. words of the clergyman were just like the buzz of a bee in my would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." the general public were present, then?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. generous with you in money matters.' the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography invisible to me," I remarked. seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A orange pips which would show them that another, as cunning and as which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little his knees, staring into the fire. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense remarked. one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "'One child--one dear little romper just six years old. Oh, if "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." the salesman. withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it