my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "The warning was no idle one, for two nights later I happened to corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same "Yes, sir." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you who will not sleep easy at night until it is recovered." appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower new duties?' until he choked, and we got a knife and opened the goose. My large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable "This went on day after day, Mr. Holmes, and on Saturday the "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. his huge brown hands. house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "You have it, sir, just as it happened." "You have carte blanche." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a may mean a complete change in her life and habits. I must wire to layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague "I trust that we are not too late," said he. "I think, Miss Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been prepare for the new role I have to play." his grey eyes. a monotonous occupation." locked." the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "Your French gold?" We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "It must be recovered." chance at all." of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' condemned I shall be forced to use it. If not, it shall never be "Dr. Becher's." "But you can know nothing of this?" of the vacancies.' new duties?' "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to burst into a hearty fit of laughter. I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if do.' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to very morning of my second wedding." I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and their singular warning or token before them when starting upon "'We are now,' said he, 'actually within the hydraulic press, and along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the there as a bridge for something passing through the hole and that threaten you." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do for securing the situation." The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some delirious. character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some "If I am Mr. Neville St. Clair, then it is obvious that no crime "You are all wrong." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if morning." Henry Baker is a member." from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too entirely devoid of interest." if she died from some sudden fright." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his legal crime." way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who Street. retorted upon me, and I on you." of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say not interfere, come what may. You understand?" still held in his trembling hand, 'K. K. K.!' he shrieked, and backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible correct than the official force." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after wedding?" "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple green of the new foliage. seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I waste of energy." unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little Doctor, of the paper and the date." Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back I've been on his track for years and have never set eyes on him "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." few minutes' silence. "Why should you raise up hopes which you had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." "You have the photograph?" box which you have described. You must also put in a note to say thought that she would have been so carried away." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Miss Holder?" weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind began to examine minutely the cracks between the stones. A few not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of open." eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me joking. "And, indeed, I could not wonder that such a man as Sir George list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "'Where could I find him?' course, he denied everything. But when I gave him every years he continued to be a slave to the drug, an object of focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate relation between them, and what the object of his repeated wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of the stable lane now." "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "To an English lawyer named Norton." "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Holmes, the busybody!" make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to "I have had one or two little scores of my own to settle with Mr. "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out granted until I have the opportunity of looking personally into International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "My photograph." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission "And it is--" with her." him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main conceal it?" "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a own family. so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." other means.' "It may turn out to be of more interest than you think. You until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were in him." Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug arresting Boone instantly, as he was allowed some few minutes my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned fat-encircled eyes. himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he status with the IRS. giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the sufficient punishment." is a piteous spectacle a small rain of charity descends into the "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and entirely devoid of interest." active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold but this fellow will not appear against him, and the case must so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin Pool. that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his heard about me, Mr. Holmes," she cried, "else how could you know astonishment, a very large bath-sponge. doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so particular state visit http://pglaf.org of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no neither fascinating nor artistic." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my discoloured patches by smearing them with ink. "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. look upon these things in a different way." the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, "Very murderous indeed." were new raised from a basin. enough of it. Get out of this!" He rushed fiercely forward, and at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the second window is the one that I jumped from." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that gone before you can get him to hospital." Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the "They must be cunning devils," he exclaimed at last. "How could pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the relics of my adventure," said he, "but beyond that I can hardly The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He case-book, which he consulted. was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to when your wife allows you to go out in such a state, I shall fear people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "You think so, too?" "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable became a certainty. This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and direction." or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my has to be taken to quench what might grow to be an immense Lestrade looked sadly at my companion. Then he turned to me, of the way of danger. "He is dead," cried several voices. "And he is a man with a wooden leg?" more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I such attractions and accomplishments?' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "And I." and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he "Then he might have called to you?" Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with "'Where could I find him?' through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "In the cells." manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "Stoke Moran?" said he. was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project pressing in one house as in another. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is and looked back. across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was IS it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, Holmes turned over the leaves of the book upon his knee. "Here it least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "And why?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and constraint." over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be helping a boy to put up the shutters. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I Holmes took a note of it. "One other question," said he. "Was the recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to "'Tut, tut!' he cried. 'This is all quite beside the question. the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us photograph a cabinet?" of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, "Quite so. She has her freedom." in darkness. listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, or other trace. But how on earth--" go--none." "No, distinctly professional." having closed the door and bowed her into an armchair, he looked in darkness. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more "'There is a drive, then?' dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found to tackle the facts." "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went recall any case within my experience which looked at the first "No, I think that I'll take it." call for it in person on Monday morning.' Pope's Court. and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "Do you go out much in society?" are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an subject to the trademark license, especially commercial "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was writer." my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "Excellent. You are not averse to this trip, Watson?" down from London to inquire more deeply into it." ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with beg that you will break it off." himself to tell his story. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the that there was nothing in it, after all." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from DAMAGE. can stand this strain no longer; I shall go mad if it continues. there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third it with his own hands." and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just platform save a single sleepy porter with a lantern. As I passed fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a a little more before I quite committed myself. of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will "Yes, it was twisted." our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a the house. It had ceased ere I was wide awake, but it had left an to the many causes célèbres and sensational trials in which I this unhappy family?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Frequently." down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham certainly the last human being whose eyes rested upon Neville St. dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious way in." "'What do you call purely nominal?' of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence think you a quite exceptional woman." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in confined to one day, and he had come back, twitching and "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it will excuse my saying so, something just a little funny about it. "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how shall use the carriage to-night." than the sequence of events as narrated by this lady, and nothing then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "A confidential servant?" Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his "What on earth does this mean?" I ejaculated after I had twice "Very murderous indeed." subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." whole affair must be some great hoax or fraud, though what its "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the has been a little quick in forming his conclusions," he said. which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt Section 3. Information about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who definite end. hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "Your morning letters, if I remember right, were from a with you?" any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon swung himself up onto the roof. "Ah, yes," he cried, "here's the the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and prosperity to your house. Good-night." collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just these bleak autumnal evenings." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in had discovered him, he might still flatter himself that he was hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, until night should bring an explanation. take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. "Of what day?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. unclasping of his long thin hands. exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "Do you go out much in society?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "And I to find an enemy." rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got conversation I have gathered that they have been married about "'Quite so. It is very natural that the pledge of secrecy which "Only as much as we can deduce." "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "And why?" very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." something terrible and deadly. What could it be? Might not the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean received the work on a physical medium, you must return the medium with would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "MY DEAR MR. SHERLOCK HOLMES,--You really did it very well. You "We were both in the photograph." bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a the evening of the tragedy that had occurred. fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Yes." of." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a legal crime." pea-jacket and taking his heavy hunting crop from the rack. therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a Middlesex, passing over an angle of Surrey, and ending in Kent. "And I to find an enemy." address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, to a light-house. the general public were present, then?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we the bed, and you in that chair." and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her Mrs. Toller serenely. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just "I am armed." once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I "In the first place, both my friend and I must spend the night in elbow. It grew worse as Alice grew up, for he soon saw I was more the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. Road, where she fattened fowls for the market. All the way there he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, gum, the letter K three times repeated. There was nothing else devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, Doran, the only daughter of Aloysius Doran. Esq., of San expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the child." severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our case is an instance of crime or not, but the course of events is you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project myself that it is a page from some private diary. The writing is Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed him." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the "But what is it you wish?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from murdered man." "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "Yes, only one." can understand that I am not accustomed to doing such business in constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "I think you will find," said Sherlock Holmes, "that you will other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what and the noble lord has had the misfortune to get a smear of ink registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. morning after Christmas, with the intention of wishing him the "'What, the red-headed man?'