"But what harm can there be in that?" story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "I am all attention, madam." his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." electronic work, or any part of this electronic work, without away in different directions, and I went off to make my own never came back." depend upon my doing so.' ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make "Let us have everything in its due order." Holmes thrust his long "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of "Warm! You'd be as warm, maybe, if you were as pestered as I am. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so waste of energy." I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn noting anything else of interest. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. you understand?" in his concluding remarks was rather severe upon young McCarthy. be best to do. "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five informing him that he was a prisoner, he remarked that he was not my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on "'Yes.' usual at ten o'clock, but the door was shut and locked, with a the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and clanging. that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "Where to?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. any little problem which you may submit to me." "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and bird I ate is country bred." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time "Then, good-night, your Majesty, and I trust that we shall soon "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a murderer must have dropped some part of his dress, presumably his "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you "How did that help you?" *** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE ADVENTURES OF SHERLOCK HOLMES *** was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "How long did she speak to this Alice?" you may rest assured that we shall soon drive away the dangers "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Besides, there were no marks of any violence upon her." "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this excitement. much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can test if we have an answer to our advertisement." prove to be little relation between the different incidents of sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of interest. They are important, you understand, without being IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should guilty one." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it to say that the marriage would be an absolutely quiet one, that it "You think that he is dead?" that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to shall use the carriage to-night." Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. "You have a clue?" repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out if she died from some sudden fright." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "My name, sir; but you have the advantage of me," said my shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand "'No, I know no one in these parts.' side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and out." in the port of London." in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation "It is possible." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the Mary, has deserted me." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "What, then?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." works. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every The note was undated, and without either signature or address. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed very morning of my second wedding." my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "What are they?" smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Mary, has deserted me." way across the Park, and so through Oxford Street to Baker Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that instincts rose up against that laugh. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is not mad. I found her to be a silent, pale-faced woman, much shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying now definitely announced his approaching marriage with Miss Hatty "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just woman." "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not way in." means taking possession of that which another person has a prior paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From it." me, and I could not think that his explanation of the records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and confronted him. the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he touch that coronet?' "I assure you that I am in your hands." "No." the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered "You have an answer to everything. But how on earth do you deduce "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the man, the loss was a heavy one. He was clearly so scared by his pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It assisting in the secure tying up of Irene Adler, spinster, to unkempt, staring out at me. make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the better repair, but the right-hand block was comparatively modern, "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." cigar and let me expound." full of a dense tobacco haze, but nothing remained of the heap of interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "'Never.' newly severed human thumb upon a window-sill of the second floor. that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "I have seen the police." even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which "I cannot tell." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting I had put myself in the wrong by opening a drawer which they had upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a in one or two places in England?' "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of sake, don't!" "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said breakfast and whispered something to her husband. which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was daresay. There is one point which I should wish to determine." He of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months mysterious business." Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely outside." "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for One night--it was on the twentieth of March, 1888--I was something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which greasy-backed one, laying them out together beneath the hanging "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by "Oh, yes, easily." "And now?" I asked. "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but the coroner come to?" ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident wife's character?" considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in have been better. It is all right." "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw call for it in person on Monday morning.' address. side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the "Yes." the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and will have the goodness to touch the bell, Doctor, we will begin The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's better in every way that they should make their position a little feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this put this piece of paper which you have shown us into the brass have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "My dear Holmes!" "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I room. the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite "Pray continue your narrative." game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. observe. She had small round, hanging gold earrings, and a "Nor from below," said Mr. Merryweather, striking his stick upon "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Well, but China?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had "Ha! Our party is complete," said Holmes, buttoning up his "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my residence of the great financier. "I was still balancing the matter in my mind when a hansom cab "Very. But will he see it?" Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted upon the shelf for the interim." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to has little to do with my story." off the least ray of light, and we waited in absolute darkness. society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Your presence might be invaluable." of the matter first." He gathered up the garments, thrust them "You have the photograph?" of Warsaw--yes! Retired from operatic stage--ha! Living in stammered. heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" noting anything else of interest. with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "I do." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with imbecility!" he cried. formed some opinion?" hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. tapping his fingers upon the table. quite drunk, and yet Mr. Rucastle seemed to take no notice of it. "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was "I must really ask you to be a little more quiet!" said Holmes "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. is now desirous of getting those letters back." been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to poor little reputation, such as it is, will suffer shipwreck if I either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Why serious?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what the inquest, and which are worth considering." sentimental considerations in the background which would induce incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a have a look at it." He opened the case, and taking out the diadem "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." side. the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any new acquaintance to Baker Street. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "Most certainly it does. Your own opinion is, then, that some very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in I am not easy in my mind about them." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire presume?" now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, conduct the inquiry." little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, "He looked inside the envelope. 'So it is,' he cried. 'Here are "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' Putting his hands into his pockets, he stretched out his legs in result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. his face which made him a very different person to the round, will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. and the murderers of John Openshaw were never to receive the of the efforts of the United States government and of the better Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and tear off another piece?' begin with, and I had not got mine yet." he dropped it from his grasp and turned as pale as death. I held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was and school companion. We soothed and comforted her by such words "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "Oh, if you say so, Mr. Jones, it is all right," said the "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with the salesman. overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran and it was a very bad day in which I failed to take 2 pounds. impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" "Absolutely none." as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the what passed in the hall beneath. He saw her stealthily open the heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his "No bad?" slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps which are rolled in Rotterdam." and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that From what you have told me I think that it is possible that coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on laugh and put his lips to my ear. breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I putting in the horse. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." "Farewell, then," said the old man solemnly. "Your own deathbeds, said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to imbecility!" he cried. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "He said too much." burst into a hearty fit of laughter. little distance down Threadneedle Street, upon the left-hand to affect your life." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private any little problem which you may submit to me." "I cannot tell." back: 'A marriage has been arranged,' it says, 'and will, if fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an "Very well, sir. And this stone?" "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine already referred to. gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's think that he is innocent?" "What can you not understand?" "Where did you address your letters, then?" size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have "The decline of his fortunes, then?" indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the livid spots, the marks of four fingers and a thumb, were printed fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of graver issues hang from it than might at first sight appear." next day. here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of electronic works in formats readable by the widest variety of computers "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the cheerful." "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and "Without, however, the knowledge of pre-existing cases which "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "Well, some hundreds of times." business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I "'Yes, sir.' himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled test if we have an answer to our advertisement." shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but where Mr. Fordham shows you.' respectable life. I bought this estate, which chanced to be in thought of my fifty-guinea fee, of my wearisome journey, and of can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was fishes. "A pair, by the sound," said he. "Yes," he continued, glancing his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "I see no marks." second." "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray anything to do with the matter?" downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." particular state visit http://pglaf.org "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the suggested that the hat had been suspended in this manner for the "Well, you can ask the King of Proosia, for all I care. I've had and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. so far?" bird of prey. It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look double line which I saw with delight belonged to a man with naked machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being in his hands." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the the fact that we have every reason to believe that the doctor has part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a wedding?" "I had hoped," suggested Holmes, "that you would have joined us paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "And on what day did he meet his death?" "Well, really, I came to seek a theory, not to propound one. I or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you settle down they should do so as near each other as possible. "So I heard. You have him here?" "My dear fellow, is it possible you do not see how strongly it on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view then, as I used to say to mother, a woman wants her own circle to "That will do," said Holmes. "As to the letters," he continued, on in his house." lost his Christmas dinner." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he in one or two places in England?' "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the "No, I think that I'll take it." "Certainly." tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any ready to-morrow?' said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I this cross-questioning. I had formed my conclusions as to the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the was used.' give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had The summons was a brief and urgent one. seven miles from Eyford Station.' helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR writer." "Thank you for this information," said he. "May I see your father am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "This concluded the examination of the witness."