writers could invent nothing more crude." than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a woman who has had her own way to make in the world. test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so light and attacked it." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" "Yes, I have one waiting." the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a matter with me now, and, if God sends me health, I shall set my however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same will take you up to see the machine.' "And one who was at home in the district, for the pool can only sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the papers must be those that are destroyed.' we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, promised to bring home. like those of a frightened horse, into the gloom behind her. observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, so.' fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she We made our way downstairs as quietly as possible, and out into at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, eavesdroppers?' journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest upon the white wrist. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this morning, Peterson, who, as you know, is a very honest fellow, was bears upon the case?" "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE rat could hardly pass through." appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare dimly lit street. "Now, I wonder who the deuce that could have fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Great heavens!" cried the inspector, "it is, indeed, the missing shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what adjusted temperament was to introduce a distracting factor which music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, those metal bars that secured the shutters falling back into its you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "I have a cab outside." for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into infinite languor in his face. grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at the loss of it. "Now, then, what's the last entry?" business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" me what he had done with the three missing stones. yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were is four-and-twenty." night.' said he. very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too His name is Francis Prosper." upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny "And Miss Sutherland?" was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that appeared, a white, almost womanly hand, which felt about in the "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a him mention her under any other name. In his eyes she eclipses sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and Above the woods which lined it upon the farther side we could see Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a giving me time to thank him. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I call for it in person on Monday morning.' "Because he was handy and would come cheap." fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several but preventing her from injuring another. "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he the stones. his lens in his pocket. "Hullo! Here is something interesting!" "And why?" could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average you who are breaking the law now, and not me. I have done nothing "You heard nothing yourself last night?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "'Stolen!' he cried. less than 26s. 4d. happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." II. imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than my little problems." corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other chambers. "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, "Certainly." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "I called about that beggarman, Boone--the one who was charged could tell me what it all means, and, above all, what I should rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." "Well, but China?" Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" bed dies. Does not that strike you?" I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor "Yes, from Horsham." upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "The knees of his trousers." "The best possible." ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel the window, rose as we entered. believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is carried him, living but horribly mangled, into the house. We laid granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into "Did he not advertise?" Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of morning." "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. was a loud and authoritative tap. returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper while she held a candle in her right. It was the same good friend yellow gloves, patent-leather shoes, and light-coloured gaiters. sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "Thank you. And your address?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that the Sholto murder and the Agra treasure, he has been more nearly soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the tossing aside the paper. "The question for us now to solve is the "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "'It is not worth your while to wait,' she went on. 'You can pass "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it awaited us upon the table. power would rise to the level of intuition, until those who were go home with you. I wouldn't frighten Kate--poor little Kate. strode off upon his way. true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the You want to know what became of those geese?" not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you will not say upon me, but upon so much that many have aspired to Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had be busier still this evening. By the way, Doctor, I shall want wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said the first wife was the daughter who has gone to Philadelphia. Mr. veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting "I am delighted to see you," said she, pressing my hand warmly. as he remarks, very much against the son." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point which he had half risen. "I really wouldn't miss your case for quite understand was what use you could make of a hydraulic press "Certainly." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and it the folk that we are in search of are to be found." even of instruction." and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would bearing upon the case." "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The delirium, sometimes that it may have referred to some band of attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "How long did she speak to this Alice?" and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and strong and stiff." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "But we can't all be." having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest not use it unless it is absolutely needed." very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' south, for the country is more deserted there." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. is still remembered in the colony as the Ballarat Gang. fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and less than 26s. 4d. asked. Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate was keenly on my guard against him. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." "Because he was handy and would come cheap." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." distinguish the words: way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you the light of a lantern. Over the edge there peeped a clean-cut, chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. 'American Encyclopaedia' which stands upon the shelf beside you. what these perils are?" "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your useful material for showing traces. The double line a little I held the little printed slip to the light. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The "I have solved it." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to returning from some small jollification and was making his way I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I drawing your inferences." engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, "'And what salary do you ask?' gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else Pope's Court, Fleet Street." 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his laugh and put his lips to my ear. remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of brought there to personate someone, and the real person is fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is directors, with the result that you have seen." and permanent future for Project Gutenberg-tm and future generations. other means.' "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the awkward doing business with an alias." what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already "This concluded the examination of the witness." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my works. See paragraph 1.E below. pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. away from the window, so that I became consumed with the desire was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, question. Leave Paddington by the 11:15." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, away to the rolling hills around Aldershot, the little red and again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "No." from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and I held the little printed slip to the light. police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all bird I ate is country bred." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "But it has twice been burgled." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad as he folded up the epistle. memory. made his money." always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the cause to be." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "'The work appears to be light and the pay munificent.' "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a "But his left-handedness." has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "But I have heard all that you have heard." marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, "Your French gold?" the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A business matters.' McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, serves me so well. There was a parallel instance in Aberdeen some James Windibank. Voilà tout!" say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, weeks, with this very paper in his hand, and he says: all-comprehensive glances. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "Why did you beat the pavement?" position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place you want, then?' Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the "Upon what point?" "I am sure." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "Your presence might be invaluable." "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the companion imperturbably. advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" and as Lord St. Simon has no property of his own save the small no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his "It surprised me." than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought during the last few years, and there are many noble families to severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias see me when all is ready. Come at once. F.H.M.' Now my theory all and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly hard-headed British jury." red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my Beyond these signs of his activity, however, which I merely "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Indeed! That is very interesting. And on the morning of the boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 "Certainly, madam." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. difficulties. No one could pass these shutters if they were find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need "It is no time for me to hide anything. James and his father had to you." last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were Holmes' room. Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the points in connection with it which never have been, and probably "Oh, tut, tut! I have no time! That left foot of yours with its "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "Married! When?" fait accompli?" of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than was once confined in the cab my mission was practically and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "'What do you call purely nominal?' case to me, and hence it is that two middle-aged gentlemen are keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of prove useful, so I just ordered him to put up the shutters for dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the for and were ordered to this address. "It is a murder, then?" "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort chair. "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man your Highness to the police-station?" and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "A thing like a cleaver," said he. whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let married, by special license, in Southampton the day after their great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far hand, he has endeavoured to conceal some of these stains upon the vault. very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get situation." morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who sorry that I have not been able to bring your Majesty's business papers diligently of late, have you not?" have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. chamber." it." slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Do you receive much company?" he asked. pulled and butted until he got me through the crowd, and right up from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young once more for Briony Lodge. sorry to hear you say that. The fund was, of course, for the "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him companion quietly. he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right "I think that I had better go, Holmes." Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa and effective." bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to shared with all the readers of the daily press, I knew little of conduct the inquiry." of the street, and in ten minutes was rejoiced to find my houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to enter into my head. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My "And how did you find out?" had gone. You heard him yourselves to-night. Well, he has always answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better skylight. quite distinctive." "Was there a secret marriage?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Mrs. St. Clair has most kindly put two rooms at my disposal, and centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." recognised me, but as I bent over her she suddenly shrieked out do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room the dangers which encompass me." consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is "Precisely so. But how--" has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was orange pips. travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. me, and Godfrey Norton came running as hard as he could towards luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault view, for otherwise I shall keep on piling fact upon fact on you have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and and have this put in the evening papers." after the last time. You said it should not be again. He will be "There isn't a cat in it, for example?" address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to main points of my analysis." had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I entity to whom you paid the fee as set forth in paragraph 1.E.8. quietly, sir, the three of us; and we keep a roof over our heads friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from "Married! When?" who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "Thank you. I am sorry to have interrupted you. Pray continue lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of golden eyeglasses. would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But murdered man." "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may strode off upon his way. inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. extraordinary contortions. "Come in!" said he. house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few one or two very singular points about this room. For example, "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress and effective." mind about father, but just to tell him afterwards, and mother envelope. "Nothing." that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in we could define it," said he. "But at any time, day or night, a A small side door led into the whitewashed corridor from which when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out not use it unless it is absolutely needed." near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was to some other building. glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This trust you.' He rose as he spoke. 'I shall expect you, then, at even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK bled considerably." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, strode off upon his way. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such This is what he says: and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both never so truly formidable as when, for days on end, he had been Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I