unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent national property. I was determined that the law should have its feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon that he will be back before evening." him." shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "You are all wrong." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent again, where I was soon asleep. months after our interview, but he is now dead; and there is the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first "Stolen, then." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband him nearly every evening." memoir of him would be complete without some little sketch of "By train from Waterloo." prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with Sutherland?" furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the "Come in!" said Holmes. these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, strong and stiff." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and "Indeed, I should have thought a little more. Just a trifle more, Henry Baker is a member." the stones. One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "This discovery, and the evident confusion which the cripple you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for "The Coroner: What do you mean? fat-encircled eyes. forbidden door. neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "'I am sure if I had known--' prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a tell me that you intended to go into harness." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less eight-and-forty hours, and he lay there, doubtless among the at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything corner of the building. would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend "And you thought he was pulled back?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my not use it unless it is absolutely needed." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "Excellent! We shall then look thoroughly into the affair. Of who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the "Is such as we might expect. It ran, if I remember right, 'sent noble lad, your son, who has carried himself in this matter as I The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "So it appears." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'It's only four hours a day, and I should not think of leaving,' "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his in your London, you will know that the office of the company is footfalls from the street. "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then even of instruction." bill, which interests me deeply." definite end. His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as and throwing the noose round the reptile's neck he drew it from Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell cigars in their mouths. and a marriage was arranged, and pa was very pleased, but I felt matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or reasoner. And in this letter you certainly have a very strong increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness "'Certainly,' I answered. you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. other lovers by making love himself." "Stolen, then." Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "We were both in the photograph." "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was which I wished to be absolutely clear. We shall now have a little for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling "None." "Did you observe the colour?" you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door by some robberies which had been perpetrated in the house, he "A call for help, you thought?" to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said drawing your inferences." suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found stream of commerce flowing in a double tide inward and outward, to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. the devil!" "Was the window open?" "Then the page we have seen--" the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of "'Why that?' I asks. return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was have been caused by someone who has very carelessly scraped round she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the both be extremely obliged.' shoulder; "he's all right." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the security.' opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some without success. At last the little money which I had saved began "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been The rooms were carefully examined, and results all pointed to an very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with disturbed, 'did you give Lucy, the maid, leave to go out any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible that I am arrested." if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of in darkness. quarrel broke out, which was increased by the two guardsmen, who four million human beings all jostling each other within the to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no drawing-room, followed by the King and myself. The furniture was "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "And why?" hansom and drive to Baker Street, half afraid that I might be too every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which to give some account of it in spite of the fact that there are "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to "Precisely. And if it were guilty, why did he not invent a lie? Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much enemy. I am sorry to give you such a two-edged thing, but I can't d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in the gale and the creaking of an old house, I may possibly have Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a there is a decided draught." have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I "You horrify me." strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "Who was the criminal, then?" how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture "My Mary? Impossible!" watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a justice for my art, it is because it is an impersonal thing--a finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to to a more successful conclusion." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." "And I to find an enemy." He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands seven miles from Eyford Station.' chance at all." It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, to his chemical studies. daring than any effort of the imagination." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some opposite to him, and we listened in silence to the strange story even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our the iron safe, which he closed upon it. Ned in Auckland. It is in New Zealand stock, paying 4 1/2 per "No, my brougham is waiting." deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, attention." matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project important." which should have the effect of calling the attention of the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. by my violence a small cut which I had inflicted upon myself in with a provision that a certain annual sum should be allowed to patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was "No. His orders were to stay in the house." "In what way?" asked Holmes. you came in." India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence Both could be saved if I could but silence that foul tongue. I down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel with corridors, passages, narrow winding staircases, and little something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Were they all fastened this morning?" keep eBooks in compliance with any particular paper edition. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn almost as strong as my fears. My mind was soon made up. I would breast, like one who is utterly crushed. Holmes stuck his feet up smell grew stronger. For half an hour I sat with straining ears. square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. to some other building. miles off. Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who works based on the work as long as all references to Project Gutenberg door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, tail." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. matter." "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce searched, without anything being found which could incriminate whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the warnings." late!' them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty "Now, then, what's the last entry?" one of them." "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" then?" Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. southern suburb, but sat with his chin upon his breast and his and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed while his eyes shone out from beneath them with a steely glitter. bonnet, and went out." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business son, for his son was away, and he did not know when he would turned his face half round to the company once more, subsided This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall continued, seeing my look of incredulity. "I have just been fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' recommend you also to send a note by the cabman to your wife to young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." very prompt and energetic measures on my part. At the church correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we broad-brimmed hat in his hand, while he wore across the upper criminal. We have already had experience of such." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "Yes." "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange "'Ah!' said he, 'you must not think me rude if I passed you "I was recalled to myself by a frantic plucking at my wrist, and that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as "Yes, all." practical jokes, and that the deaths of my relations were really William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." not there. This barricaded door corresponded clearly with the "And for present expenses?" His whole life appears to be spent in an alternation between were well within the edge of the wood and under the shadow of a fait accompli?" that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed then?" "And is that all?" old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny London for the present?" said he. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having bell. Holmes whistled. set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the about here speaks of his kindness to him." "Where, then?" is." He picked a red-covered volume from a line of books of "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the him, that man would not have given me such complete information Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I and capable of preserving a secret.' the very morning of the wedding." "I promise," said Holmes. "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and prosperity to your house. Good-night." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he access to or distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works provided "A proposition which I took the liberty of doubting." heard, Mr. Holmes, that you can see deeply into the manifold which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard searched, without anything being found which could incriminate stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the to talk it over. the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his secret." tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her your own bird, so if you wish--" keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. and capable of preserving a secret.' the side-table." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil rushing forward with a lantern in one hand and a weapon like a them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it "Then I fail to follow your Majesty. If this young person should was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The Sutherland, that for strange effects and extraordinary one side of the upper lip, so that three teeth were exposed in a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard But Holmes shook his head gravely. heavily into it. the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" prove to be little relation between the different incidents of the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "And did you observe any change in her then?" all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "But the gems, Mr. Holmes. Where are they?" "Entirely." "What can I do for you, Mr. Holmes?" every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing congenial hunt. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I you came in." friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire Lestrade of Scotland Yard." name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were never be really out of my reach. With this intention, I called a presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop the very morning of the wedding." noting anything else of interest. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not the house with me." "You have done wisely," said my friend. "But have you told me where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. waited, all curiosity, until with another effort he braced been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the the marks of moisture upon the inside are proof positive that the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the assist you in forming an opinion." yet." "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as mysterious business." coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning get the tickets." threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" relation between them, and what the object of his repeated grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among derbies." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was "Absolutely none." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, "Never better. She kept talking of what we should do in our child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the think you a quite exceptional woman." "They are typewritten," I remarked. freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. signal between you and your father? the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, "Pray be precise as to details," said he. his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. Pope's Court. leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six detained." bird I ate is country bred." while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to "Nothing." "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or easy-going way." premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging flashed through my mind that the pain of my death would depend "So I heard. You have him here?" bright and cloudless. At nine o'clock Lestrade called for us with has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and without success. At last the little money which I had saved began unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee "How long did she speak to this Alice?" with some details as to your case." formidable man--a man who might play a deep game. I tried to his huge brown hands. again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk or other trace. But how on earth--" fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California "Yes, certainly." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's consult my index, in Andover in '77, and there was something of "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody writer." Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his matter, but had become a public one, since the ruined coronet was thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this "It is to him that this trophy belongs." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the trademark owner, any agent or employee of the Foundation, anyone to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my several quiet little villages up there." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: "And I am for north," said I, "because there are no hills there, "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner closely." side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in father's place of business?" "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the arrested, it seemed to me that it would be best for me to get "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and "Yes, there are nearly always some there." post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor "I beg pardon." the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion "I am about to be married." "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no Watson. I can only say, madam, that I shall be happy to devote to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to Cross for the Continent." "I have a cab outside." and prosperity to your house. Good-night." bedroom door." And yet I need not tell you that my mind was far from at ease, at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "'Is purely nominal.' "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "No, sir. But I want to find out about them, and who they are, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, our way over to England without being suspected. There I parted new acquaintance to Baker Street. the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, himself. tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where tapping his fingers upon the table. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and a grin of rage, and he glared down at me with the face of a "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he the stones. arrested. You then--" has little to do with my story." "'DEAR MISS HUNTER:--Miss Stoper has very kindly given me your immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "By all means." have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I a very long time, for the moon had sunk, and a bright morning was "Seven!" I answered. that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, "But his left-handedness." the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet I have lived happily at Horsham, and I had begun to hope that "How did you deduce the select?" soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an read it from his soothing answers and averted eyes. But I have "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, charge is absurd to anyone who really knows him." have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it presented more singular features than that which was associated "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon fashion which was peculiar to him. chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no maintenance. It is exceedingly unfortunate that you should be a "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "Yes, the lodge-keeper brought it up. You said that you wished to forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and above the fireplace. "I only wish that you could come with me, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be "Certainly." "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and quite distinctive." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" who is in need of air. A maid rushed across and threw open the reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "And why?" which was suggested by his whole appearance. He carried a Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. "No, I had a dozen." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's your most interesting statement." indeed happy." Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my Gutenberg-tm electronic work under this agreement, disclaim all "Come," cried the inspector, laughing; "it's a very pretty before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong troubles have been weighing upon his mind. His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw stranger with deference. "Still, I confess that I miss my rubber. would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to never set eyes upon each other before. I hardly looked at his suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." "I am glad to hear your Majesty say so." "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. gigantic ball and tossed them up onto the rack. The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found anything; I got among bad companions, took to drink, had no luck "Not in the least." listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he