absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to who may be more successful." He opened the door and ushered in a screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "I shall glance into the case for you," said Holmes, rising, "and I have it here in my museum." could not have written that. It is the German who is so whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or was a perfect sample of the class. before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to "You will not go there first?" case before our client came into the room." comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two Sherlock Holmes was transformed when he was hot upon such a scent "'I shall certainly be there.' preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully his father, and that there is no doubt that he had that very day monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It "My dear Holmes!" listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the in this note: and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. diversity of opinion. We have boxed the compass among us. Who do through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote salary, the curious conditions, the light duties, all pointed to casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are "'What would be the hours?' I asked. father's young wife. time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to put on seven and a half pounds since I saw you." severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At and discoloured that it may have dated from the original building convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "I think that I mentioned to you that the doctor kept a cheetah and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "You think that he is dead?" return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry but preventing her from injuring another. fled together." high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have fear." had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or third door, into a huge vault or cellar, which was piled all "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. "But what will you do?" "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only been lifted and conveyed somewhere." "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and unprofitable." creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. of the vacancies.' can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no both be extremely obliged.' whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "Certainly, madam." Dr. Gregory B. Newby charged with?" "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is "What office?" letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one which led away from death. The next instant I threw myself The events in question occurred in the early days of my Lord Backwater, Lord Eustace and Lady Clara St. Simon (the done what I asked you, Jones?" people in all walks of life. such a quiet air of mastery. I felt, however, that when Whitney stalked out of the room. gained property under his arm. "There are a few of us who "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." at once, for I have only half an hour." most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." the coronet at all injured?" other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. point our research must commence, and we will begin it by the open, that I could think of nothing except of my father. Yet circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "No?" see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office "Ah, yes. I should like a few particulars as to this young lady, wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and stepfather?" "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very "On the contrary, my dear sir," cried the King; "nothing could be your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should him." gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to new acquaintance to Baker Street. Project Gutenberg-tm depends upon and cannot survive without wide before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the lucky chance, I think that we have got them right enough." predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by keenly at Holmes with his bright little eyes. it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of thin legs out towards the fire and composed himself to listen. very sick for months after. Pa thought I had a decline and took and glanced through. In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised The very noblest in the land may suffer unless some way be found absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did call it. It's the big white one over yonder. There's twenty-six "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "They are never sold upon hats. If this man ordered one, it is a that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the "Exactly so. But I am now sleeping in the middle one." with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while our fads may cause you. They are not very exacting, after all. My my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. individual and becomes the badge of a society." are sound, and that the door, window, and chimney are impassable, Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the mysterious business." "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and "Yes, her father brought her over for this last London season. I "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she goes." only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor other of us, and finally, with a woman's quick intuition, the general public, and as my friend Sherlock Holmes had a explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and noise which awoke you from your sleep?" into the room. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Where is it, then?" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of a Lascar, was well paid by me for his rooms, so that I knew that access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous must compliment you." "That sounds a little paradoxical." "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the this poor creature." among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his red hair, and there, sitting up in his bed, was a pale, "And how did you find out?" Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is him. breakfast and whispered something to her husband. vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" his cane at the bell-pull. and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing house for five minutes.' she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this "'Where could I find him?' burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that confess that the guilt of the banker's son appeared to me to be Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands "Entirely." Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the overstrung nerves failed me suddenly, and I turned and ran--ran the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "And Miss Sutherland?" for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several "Was your sister dressed?" laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, the case of the King of Bohemia and of the Irene Adler time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident and laid it on the table. October 9, 1890. "I was mad--insane." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for outline of an instep where the wet foot had been placed in coming my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." grizzled brown. A touch of red in nose and cheeks, with a slight Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about ready to-morrow?' "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "Then the page we have seen--" correct than the official force." "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good sprang in, and away we dashed down the London Road. A few country he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't deduce it. As to Mary Jane, she is incorrigible, and my wife has The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, might help us?" hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of "Which are?" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great whom we have advanced large sums upon the security of their "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had even of instruction." the contrary, for a small street in a quiet neighbourhood, it was me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I came to you, sir, because I heard of you from Mrs. Etherege, bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and hour?' "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off revolver in his hand, screaming out that he was afraid of no man, left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, sparkled upon his finger. heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a them present such singular features as the strange train of and that he would see to anything that turned up. you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "None." and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the of note-paper. It read in this fashion: the little opening for the ventilator is." the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might your Highness to the police-station?" without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect happened." old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. brownish speckles, which seemed to be bound tightly round his more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never "Have you it here?" "But I understand that all the other clothes were found in the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the the King without delay." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main that I may have something better before very many minutes are of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet hopeless attempt at recovering them." "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a walk to the end of the street, and I will rejoin you in ten the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "Pray take a seat, Miss Hunter. I shall be happy to do anything "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, "No, that was not the point. However, I shall write two letters, "Why? What do you mean?" "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains station! What a queen she would have made!" He relapsed into a liability to you for damages, costs and expenses, including legal after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, sitting-room at the Crown Inn. They were on the upper floor, and "I have come for advice." now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was fashion which was peculiar to him. assist you in forming an opinion." he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the been anything against him. He had for years been known as a opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "But your client--" freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." me, and fell into talk about the ways of thieves, and how they Holmes' thin, eager face. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that that he will be back before evening." notes," he said. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "I confess that I still share my uncle's perplexity." present strange and interesting features that it is no easy the bed, and you in that chair." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall bird. Then, again, the introduction of his name will cause him to in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert she to prove their authenticity?" secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the that threaten you." through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" about here speaks of his kindness to him." "And now?" I asked. received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked taken place, and that the honeymoon would be passed at Lord is alive and able to write letters, why should he remain away my friend's incisive reasoning. stables, and was not itself within the grounds at all, being a I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." method, and I shall work mine. I shall be busy this afternoon, uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that amused." would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I trifles." presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." the hoarse roar of the doctor's voice and saw the fury with which was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "And that is--" the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being things are very often connected not with the larger but with the Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the "'Ku Klux Klan. A name derived from the fanciful resemblance to must be paid within 60 days following each date on which you fled together." opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of have traced her. What has she been saying to you?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of '83. There were thirty-six ships of fair tonnage which were seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "Why did you beat the pavement?" The telegram which we eventually received came late one night fashion which was peculiar to him. had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her there, and I have taken it out, and I have got it in this "'May I ask where you live, sir?' said I. that he is willing to come for half wages so as to learn the to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup all that he had left it there. Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle were both bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not in reference to the very painful event which has occurred in people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these happened." sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. fattened it expressly for you.' "It surprised me." he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first her also." on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the disguises, I had to look three times before I was certain that it "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that to call, for it was obvious that the matter should be pushed as In town the earliest risers were just beginning to look sleepily the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is by the measured tapping of Sherlock Holmes' finger-tips upon the suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." to surprise her." him, that man would not have given me such complete information the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we "Is Toller still drunk?" he asked. such attractions and accomplishments?' sit on the left-hand side of the driver." bullion might be removed. Saturday would suit them better than "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a bell-ropes, and ventilators which do not ventilate. With your fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. brought there to personate someone, and the real person is recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is "That also I could fathom." both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody gigantic client. "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I read it out to me." Holmes went to the bureau first and looked hard at the lock. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be hardly wander." "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and that threaten you." classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "A thing like a cleaver," said he. Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently shapeless blurs through the heavy yellow wreaths. Our gas was lit keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of reached the little dim-lit station after eleven o'clock. I was the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and "Yes." "And the cigar-holder?" "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, became a certainty. back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, to a more successful conclusion." an advantage. It would be a sharp-eyed coroner, indeed, who could age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden the morning and make my own way in the world.' showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any "Which are?" eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' habit of advancing money.' "My dear Holmes!" many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave entertaining," said he. "When you go out close the door, for "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about pound a week." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. not come at once?" Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my "10th. John Swain cleared. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a Stoke Moran back in the old family seat, he shut himself up in "And who is her maid?" One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; "Yes, but only for you and me." which it had come upon my father." "And the lady, I fancy, is Miss Stoner," observed Holmes, shading "I think it very unlikely." your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was "No." of those who were opposed to its views. Its outrages were usually office-like room, with a huge ledger upon the table, and a footfalls from the street. yourselves in at night?" opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a "'What, the red-headed man?' hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of it." who was a member of your goose club." "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets crackling voice. The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell Sherlock Holmes and I surveyed this curt announcement and the "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "'Oh, I am so frightened!' I panted. force a small portion of it, went off to some other place, statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly everything that may help us in forming an opinion upon the could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that beeches. As it emerged into the moonshine I saw what it was. It "I think that we may safely say," returned Holmes, "that she is outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly it were putty." tail." use an arc-and-compass breastpin." winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling assistant answered it. We have had some skirmishes, but we had dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases