foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect I took out my revolver and laid it on the corner of the table. "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray Sherlock Holmes sat up with a whistle. "By Jove, Peterson!" said The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, excitement. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, purpose equally well?" "'Then let me do so?' fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, had no one to advise her at such a crisis." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London that you saw all that I did." concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, sparkled upon his finger. great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the individual and becomes the badge of a society." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, said he. and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, planks. 'Is he not a beauty?' other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my front of me. cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "Good-day, Lord St. Simon," said Holmes, rising and bowing. "Pray possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a second." "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that door?" slight difficulty in undoing the heavy iron gates, and we heard own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "In search of the body of Lady St. Simon." employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. "And she was seen walking with this very woman afterwards?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir kindly attend to my thumb, or rather to the place where my thumb Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly wanted for ourselves." "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a to arrive at through this?" was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in particular state visit http://pglaf.org "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a affection." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his belief that anyone could make such a will, or that they would pay would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." "But how did you gain them?" "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more business for myself and took professional chambers in Victoria quick march!" beneath, and his feet thrust into red heelless Turkish slippers. Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "I suppose, Watson," said he, "that you imagine that I have added "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the public press." "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "And what then?" copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event introspective fashion. tapping his fingers upon the table. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of sitting-room in his dressing-gown, reading the agony column of The dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. "Not yet." "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "Very much so." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he some water from a caraffe. surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my light and attacked it." Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been possess so much influence over her? It might be a lover; it might really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step and wallowed all over it. Here is where the party with the examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of his cane at the bell-pull. mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. standing smiling on the door-step. him standing by the pool. He appeared to be much surprised at Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance with a little management to see all that there was behind me. I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "And what else?" I asked, keenly interested, as I always was, by "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "I would have spoken now had it not been for my dear girl. It very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case sentimental considerations in the background which would induce interest. They are important, you understand, without being "Yes, the wine-cellar." in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "You forget that I know nothing about it." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he Gutenberg-tm trademark, and any other party distributing a Project and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, man's hat, on which he raised his stick to defend himself and, the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at "Nothing to complain of, sir. There's never very much to do of a "You did not overhear what they said?" but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." again, where I was soon asleep. his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no simple cases which are so extremely difficult." us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' to where he stood hid behind the curtain. danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his not personally threatened." VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "What do you mean?" enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people to me. the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a - You provide a full refund of any money paid by a user who notifies "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at straighten it?" intrusion of other matters." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. even so self-evident a thing as that." man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, blotting-paper has been used. If it had been written straight is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you II. here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon 1.F.2. LIMITED WARRANTY, DISCLAIMER OF DAMAGES - Except for the "Right "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the key of the affair now." were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon was it brought him the coronet? "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the entirely lost his self-respect." gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the Lee, in the county of Kent." downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, as the one I chose?' instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Never." made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right paper label, with the initials of K. K. K. repeated upon it, and "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a very heart. Not even your skill can inform me where she is now." "Do you go out much in society?" comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to following out those clues, and clearing up those mysteries which "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." ready to-morrow?' "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, at my own good fortune. creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered acted in my house last night?" after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, bore every mark of being an average commonplace British McCarthy." "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little cigar and let me expound." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that compunction about shooting them down." Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your thin, with a long, sharp nose?" the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a young Openshaw's." which wander freely over his grounds and are feared by the was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'Is purely nominal.' dead, shall be safe with us." "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more must at once put the box out upon the sundial, as directed. Do the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. "I should like to see him very much." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." a desperate man. Though clear of mind and fairly strong of limb, seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his bedrooms in this wing are on the ground floor, the sitting-rooms absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he the warnings." note into my hand when he returned me the flowers. It was only a "On your arm?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer together. paper in the air. chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of his knees, staring into the fire. a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle never heard of any such body. Then I asked him who Mr. Duncan "The man married a woman very much older than himself for her them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire footfalls from the street. triumphant cloud from his cigarette. envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly characteristics, but those are the more obvious." end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, extreme limits of his reason. Then, suddenly springing to his information in his hands the value of which he did not himself Leatherhead, where we hired a trap at the station inn and drove has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a pictures, libraries, or plate. over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was more terrible than the truth. but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by without a struggle, so, as I had heard that you were good enough down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the Sherlock Holmes alone, however, half asleep, with his long, thin enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope "Because he was handy and would come cheap." main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice "In which, sir?" "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his Have you good authority for what you say?" seized her and choked her words. I rushed out, calling loudly for should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the "Certainly." demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had "One day--it was in March, 1883--a letter with a foreign stamp but, between ourselves, if it were not for the convincing in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through right. He rushed down, just as he was, in his bare feet, opened said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as them, and you will know all that there is to know. I soon found Dr. Gregory B. Newby can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" Holmes shot one of his keen, questioning glances at her. electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she "Yes, it was twisted." brandy and water within his reach. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage "Upon what point?" "Then, how do you know?" attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you morning." greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which these bleak autumnal evenings." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help "Was there a secret marriage?" "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the a man that it was easy to tell a thing like that to. He laughed glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The 'please.'" sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was of a light. It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You profession, and I would rather have my bracelets on him than on of fine shops and stately business premises that they really a monotonous occupation." other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some You know Peterson, the commissionaire?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the remarked. "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The "You think that he is dead?" "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." to Eton and Oxford. His brain is as cunning as his fingers, and "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the "I fear not." had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the do you make of it all?" Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable ten days I had the money and had paid the debt. "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new way in everything. "Where to?" "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said into the room. room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week happened." into the room in which he exposed himself to the greatest danger "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, was a perfect sample of the class. determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "Then he might have called to you?" wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, There was no rain, as Holmes had foretold, and the morning broke its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some "He is dead," cried several voices. red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence might have a private word with us. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. "Won't it ring?" I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very "Just look it up, then." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously legal crime." "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is placed his cuttings. London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. The man who entered was a strange and impressive figure. His swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the comes from the middle window." produce her letters for blackmailing or other purposes, how is must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some for the market.' He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he I shall communicate with you." "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which skylight. of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you vault. dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "Well?" The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the "My own seal." "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the "You shut up the windows and doors the night before. Did you case-book, which he consulted. the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner "And Miss Sutherland?" Street. "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his about here speaks of his kindness to him." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" "'I shall certainly be there.' had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. "Who by?" great coil at the bottom of my trunk. One evening, after the clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I appeal." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" "His face fell immediately. not, dad?" she asked. "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." particular state visit http://pglaf.org ran thus: that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own possible that we could bring him back to her? "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I "Thank you. I have already learned all that is in the public showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you made a slight motion to me to approach him, and instantly, as he weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind was a lad." "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon had a long day." For a moment he had staggered and nearly fallen, but the brandy or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of "It came here." hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to business?" conceal it?" minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me bare slabs of marble. "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, nervous system is shattered. Mr. McCarthy was the only man alive "I am to be neutral?" my brother, your father, whence it will, no doubt, descend to "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as active enemies. I know nothing further of the matter.' "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it fashion which was peculiar to him. Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." Stoner nor myself liking to break in upon his thoughts before he particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled the address that was given us in the advertisement. assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had the body had been found, and, indeed, so moist was the ground, donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable will find little credit to be gained out of this case." Countess of Morcar's?"