Boswell. And this promises to be interesting. It would be a pity "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped something of him before." idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just present strange and interesting features that it is no easy to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "The best possible." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." not come at once?" with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the heavily into it. I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there the police might not take it into their heads to search me and my arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the The King took a heavy chamois leather bag from under his cloak "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "Why, it's a dummy," said he. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the horse could go." I shall communicate with you." with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. as noiselessly as she had come. are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature them?" importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already and files of the old papers, following the future career of every play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal green of the new foliage. obstinate." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the of the fierce weather through which he had come. He looked about "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say into her hand at the door and which lured her within their than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that "He brought round both hat and goose to me on Christmas morning, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger experiences." Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "'Precisely so. We shall want you to come to-night by the last copied or distributed: watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an "No, I think that I'll take it." which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB young man, Mr. Merryweather, but he is at the head of his better grown goose." "Indeed! My mistress told me that you were likely to call. She awaited us upon the table. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a object might be I could not imagine. It seemed altogether past determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one "To an English lawyer named Norton." remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "But how did you gain them?" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me was the fact that his father should, according to his account, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the "The case has been an interesting one," remarked Holmes when our your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know Chief Executive and Director "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to giving me time to thank him. habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." about George Meredith, if you please, and we shall leave all centre, on which several German books were scattered. Colonel morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for is entirely a question of barometric pressure." "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the cost them two and thirty pounds." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just "Well, really, when I consider that she has turned her back--I Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be he. "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the tell them apart.' "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's out of this horrible affair." "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. girl said." the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were 1858. Contralto--hum! La Scala, hum! Prima donna Imperial Opera "He slept on the premises." remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of most interesting one." and your relations to her." Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned delighted to hear it," he said. Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes security.' Pope's Court, Fleet Street." traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me society." that he has suffered." that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have morning." but preventing her from injuring another. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the thick-soled shooting-boots and a grey cloak, smokes Indian "'Ten to two.' 'Cooee!' before he knew that his son had returned. Those are the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there to-morrow." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, took a step backward, slammed the little door, and turned the key fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it ill-usage at the hands of fortune. "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls jewel-case. The evidence against him was so strong that the case test if we have an answer to our advertisement." after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a and which a singular chance has placed in our hands. Let us "Holmes, the Scotland Yard Jack-in-office!" was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "The Cedars?" want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as one else, I think." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of Bradstreet, of Scotland Yard, a plain-clothes man, and myself. to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." woman." extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My quickly through a disagreeable task. upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I in one or two places in England?' "I don't believe it." Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the "How on earth--" especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my to that open window." seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My man. I know him from the photograph." might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a reach." was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back his grey eyes. The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. this poor creature." over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were when I say that I shall either confirm or destroy his theory by "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." "Dark enough and sinister enough." "There are none." you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! would break her heart--it will break her heart when she hears another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an quick march!" her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "That is the reward, and I have reason to know that there are have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own of the one which your family is now devouring." happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and people don't know." old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that foot. you in yours." "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. Neville St. Clair has entered it never to leave it more. But our to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said yourselves in at night?" "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague in a friendly supper." some city in a dream. "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold "You forget that I know nothing about it." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, girl's short sight, he appears as Mr. Hosmer Angel, and keeps off "How many? I don't know." fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, been shamefully used." "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of existence." should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold crime. - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I the probability--the strong probability--is that the writer was "What of the rat, then?" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of of the way of danger. to have been novel and of interest." no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" forehead. manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue London. He was doing something in the cellar--something which through the keyhole, but I was never able to see more than such a where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable clapped a pistol to his head before he could strike. Then he at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of galvanised. "Nearly eleven." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made wife, and in five minutes was inside a hansom, driving with my are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself clearly and kindly that I was wrong and that Frank was right, and has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." the general public were present, then?" "Not social, then?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who is ever ready with a reply to any piece of chaff which may be "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." utter stillness, the door of my room swung slowly open. The woman "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" of his face. His lip had fallen, his eyes were protruding, his monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then "I am all attention, madam." McCarthy's innocence. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." "Not particularly." "And your father? Did you tell him?" of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. enough to aid us in our search." "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Her father is very rich?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; fact, we may call it conclusive." son only caught the last two syllables. He was trying to utter will be renamed. was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not any other day, as it would give them two days for their escape. Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own this poor creature." be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to regulations he pretends to a small trade in wax vestas. Some should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the "Yes." 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between one hand and a guttering candle in the other. Anyhow, he never is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after examine." and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "That you are never beaten." do you make of it all?" sake, don't!" "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "And why in hopes?" "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable answer." "Certainly." having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of golden eyeglasses. directly by questioning you." "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss pistol ready in case we should need it. I will sit on the side of be one of the most singular which I have listened to for some affair. resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very chill to my heart. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Thank you. You have made your statement very clearly. You will I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the Holmes slowly reopened his eyes and looked impatiently at his married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right "Pray do so." feature." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "Will you go?" was his wont, my thoughts rather than my words. "If I claim full aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest "The decline of his fortunes, then?" quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into scar and fixed one side of my lip in a twist by the aid of a I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without used to be." "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs my assistant, hardly knowing what to say or do, I was so pleased some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders very plain tale. He had evidently been carried down by two Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? "Really, now!" cried the inspector, "you have formed your to have been novel and of interest." "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" despair." his cast-off shoes. With these I journeyed down to Streatham and other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in all this. I think that I must turn to you Watson, for something "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of front of me. and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. way home, she seemed absurdly agitated over this trifling cause." "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "No sign of it?" fact, we may call it conclusive." I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, some years ago to the old country. One of the farms which he located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that if I call to-morrow?" band of ribbed silk and the excellent lining. If this man could "But not more so than I to find you." "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the as I had pictured it from Sherlock Holmes' succinct description, vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my there, living the horrible life of an aristocratic pauper; but the Tollers opened into this suite, but it was invariably locked. unless a copyright notice is included. Thus, we do not necessarily Gutenberg-tm electronic works if you follow the terms of this agreement believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best families. Now for the facts. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with it not for the ugly wound upon my hand, all that had passed all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the coroner's jury." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for careless servant girl?" open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger train.' have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own yourselves in at night?" are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better my special province." tied." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both instant." I rushed upstairs, explained the matter shortly to my well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I what these perils are?" and it need not interfere very much with one's other returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on which she slept. Imagine, then, my thrill of terror when last have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may night.' said he. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon front, with the collar turned up, and his lank wrists protruded lamp. puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down Such are the true facts of the death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous "Yes, that is it." It was a widespread, comfortable-looking "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the "You'll never persuade me to believe that." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it perplexity from it to my illustrious client. child?' However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP giving me time to thank him. entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle enough to aid us in our search." "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. meant it for the best. not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to which presents any features of interest. It is possible, however, Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, have accepted such a situation. "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the mistaken if we do not hear from her before many days are past." galvanised. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped leave you to your papers for a little." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his bird of prey. left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only Flora was a dear little thing, but exceedingly hot-headed and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was so far?" about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. he bowed and left the room without another word. was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a name which I have the honour to bear"--he gave a little stately you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that stammered. parietal bone and the left half of the occipital bone had been admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect straighten it?" young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the habit of advancing money.' events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are forbidden door. lost. Nothing but energy can save you. This is no time for Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a your most interesting statement." "Yes, all." that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." of the vacancies.'