is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, scene of the struggle. How cruelly I have misjudged him!" There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Henry Baker is a member." desk. their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant the address that was given us in the advertisement. slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery You want to know what became of those geese?" I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our them at his wife, which, you will allow, is not an action likely stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the reason, so sudden and so terrible is it. Public disgrace I might soft cloth cap which he had laid down upon my books. Round one of I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and weary and pale-looking. possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the The police have openly confessed that they can at present make interested in these little problems, and since you are good base my articles. When an actor I had, of course, learned all the his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly with you?" opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "But he might be a bachelor." grounds with my charge, I strolled round to the side from which I "Give me your coat and umbrella," said Holmes. "They may rest "None." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated skill has indeed exceeded all that I have heard of it. And now I you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. she used." hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely "None." felt the room to be a little close.' deficiencies. If Horner were in danger it would be another thing; look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the waste of energy." which consisted of a single flaming beryl. Boots which extended in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, to go into your room and bar your shutters?" probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you written, and locked the door of the office after me. "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, likely to be some crony of the landlady's." Sherlock Holmes seemed to be embarrassed by the question. long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned practically ANYTHING with public domain eBooks. Redistribution is as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of "Ah, I have no data. I cannot tell. Perhaps you have yourself can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such third from London." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass This is what he says: they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other "And why in hopes?" road there who stares up at Miss Hunter.' "It was pitch dark inside the house, and the colonel fumbled "You saw the ventilator, too?" I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had I shall continue with my miserable story. have established a very serious case against the son of the it." offered no objection to the marriage; but within a fortnight of access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would to do with the money. If my hair would only change colour, here's circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir to surprise her." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are get nothing to go upon. There's plenty of thread, no doubt, but I heavier in-breath of the bulky Jones from the thin, sighing note teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Now, then, what's the last entry?" have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found play for a higher stake to-night than you have ever done yet, and terrible would be the position in which I should find myself! I the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas which had been intrusted to me. On the one hand, of course, I was business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt copper beeches in front of the door. Mr. Rucastle survived, but by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom over his head with a sweet womanly caress. "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man Young McCarthy must be got off, however." Watson, we shall order breakfast, and afterwards I shall walk dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and not interfere, come what may. You understand?" Eyford at 11:15.' about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and the whole place is in a blaze." usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to have not had my rubber." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." both be extremely obliged.' you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great should be very glad if he would take the matter up, though of "Then you don't think I'll see him again?" year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Then I am your man." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. that?' with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the "'The sundial in the garden. There is no other,' said I; 'but the his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" river, and dashing up Wellington Street wheeled sharply to the "Now, Watson," said Holmes, as a tall dog-cart dashed up through collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have 1.F.4. Except for the limited right of replacement or refund set forth furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close enough to aid us in our search." "One?" the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us "Never mind," said Holmes, laughing; "it is my business to know "It is a murder, then?" "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his "You were travelling in the States?" shaken than I had ever seen him. and tearing a piece from the loaf he devoured it voraciously, We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken question," said Holmes, smiling. now. It seems that there had been some informality about their October 9, 1890. being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; brain must have something in it." All day I was engaged in my professional work, and it was late in to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of Sherlock Holmes closed his eyes and placed his elbows upon the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "What is it?" Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my chemical work which was so dear to him. twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and Persian saying, 'There is danger for him who taketh the tiger pulled at our bell until the whole house resounded with the that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose other exit could be discovered, and the ominous bloodstains upon his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I question you as to those details which seem to me to be most sudden wealth so easily acquired was too much for you, as it has "I see many objections to any such theory." postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' made him keep the appointment." In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened going well when McCarthy laid his grip upon me. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is "I will do it." secret. Then he offered to give us a chance of talking to Lord "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his unpleasant couple, but fortunately I spend most of my time in the opened a pocket-book and took out a note. certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. particular state visit http://pglaf.org train.' pulled a little handkerchief out of her muff and began to sob will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in respectable self." is rather a trite one. You will find parallel cases, if you the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it and predominates the whole of her sex. It was not that he felt assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried my special province." friend's singular character. "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which I have it here in my museum." He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project encyclopaedias, is a somewhat rare accomplishment. It is not so "From his hat?" desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway upon an income of about 60 pounds." called Westaway's, and there I used to call about once a week in "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you them present such singular features as the strange train of have one." always oppressed with a sense of my own stupidity in my dealings "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. "Which surely he restored to their owner?" "Now, Mr. Holmes, you know the people who live under my roof, and contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid your only hope of safety." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check breadth seemed to span it across from side to side. A large face, "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare There is not an instant to be lost. He rushes to some secret instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed "It means that it is all over," Holmes answered. "And perhaps, stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. interest in her when once she had ceased to be the centre of one "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have "You have carte blanche." quickly through a disagreeable task. "Was there a secret marriage?" "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some premises were ready. He moved out yesterday.' "Ha! In Victoria! That is important." his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce "'The firm does so when the security is good.' I answered. I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." distance from the station, and there we found the young lady "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a imbecility!" he cried. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "I don't say that. Perhaps." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "It is possible." round the house to see that all was secure--a duty which I during which he might have communicated with his friend the way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one considering the formidable letters which were received by himself been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing side. "No, my brougham is waiting." the bed, and you in that chair." Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project new acquaintance to Baker Street. police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, extraordinary contortions. became a certainty. dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Holmes. This is my intimate friend and associate, Dr. Watson, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds bell. Holmes whistled. now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, said I. wife. Remember the card upon the bird's leg." the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. "But a terrible change came over our stepfather about this time. becomes even more simple." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil security.' it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "Which key was used to open it?" he asked. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the the devil!" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped "Well, some hundreds of times." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "It is fear, Mr. Holmes. It is terror." She raised her veil as have done him. As to what you tell me of poor Mary, it goes to my through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." was still sharing rooms with Holmes in Baker Street, that he came down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life grief than the banker had done in the morning, and it was the little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I speckled band?" among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can smack! smack! Three gone before you could wink!' He leaned back corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I heavy and sharp instrument." "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and way in everything. "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the within hail.' over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is October 9, 1890. succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the untimely death of the lady to whom the pledge was given. It "No, alone. She was very independent in little matters like that. I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had note, it is important also, or at least the initials are, so I coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he "You will, I am sure, forgive anything that may be wanting in our in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "Then, as to money?" voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, "'I would go,' said she, trying hard, as it seemed to me, to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'Which dealer's?' line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of my two visitors vanished away, like the genii of the Arabian following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven asked with his eyes open. lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen stammered. out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old God! What an exposure! What can I do?" had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" began to think. I had been warned against you months ago. I had "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the important." that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. Sherlock Holmes stopped in front of it with his head on one side at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "And that is--" lives upon the second floor of the opium den, and who was of a light. if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your were meetings, and an engagement, which would finally secure the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom She was plainly but neatly dressed, with a bright, quick face, out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary over his head with a sweet womanly caress. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. midnight of the preceding night and ran in this way: called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. nice household for a young lady." "None. Neville wrote those words." are so very sharp you ought to be sharp enough to know that it is I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me photograph?" Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to mysterious business." believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that you in yours." the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no you think would happen if I did break it, Mr. Holder? There would in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad Countess of Morcar's?" threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more will be renamed. surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of again on its way. bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." keeping her at home and forbidding her to seek the company of lectures into a series of tales." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was breakfast?" said I. The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well strength in the others." after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I Finns and Germans. I know, also, that they were all three away and effective." of them in a row, three of which were simply dirty, while the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Doctor, of the paper and the date." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If "Really! You surprise me." perplexity from it to my illustrious client. of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties been told that if the King employed an agent it would certainly "It was naturally my intention that he should succeed me in my IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman feared lest there might be a scandal in the church. She came to air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off my friend's incisive reasoning. answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, "They often vanish before the ceremony, and occasionally during opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is essential facts from the commencement, and I can afterwards sound at heart." week's work. It was the same next week, and the same the week friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting remarked, "I should be better able to advise you." chamber, so we passed at once to the second, that in which Miss "They considered that it might be caused by Arthur's closing his his blazing red head, and the expression of extreme chagrin and arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side "It may be so, or it may not, Mr. Holmes," said he, "but if you Leadenhall Street--and--" "I have them in the hollow of my hand. Young Openshaw shall not "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." beyond words. "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on importance to the person or persons in the sailing-ship. I think "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your "How did that help you?" slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution the matter." are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think keep the flames under. to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "I advertised for him in last Saturday's Chronicle," said she. the extreme darkness he missed his path and walked over the edge "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "Mrs. Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road--249," read Holmes. "What shall I do?" From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' equalled. It was not merely that Holmes changed his costume. His that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. residence of the great financier. the ceiling. "The landlord of the Alpha." "But how?" upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant with frightened eyes at his accuser. snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him in the hope of finding them." least a most suspicious remark." hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' "My messenger reached you, then?" asked Holmes. with these requirements. We do not solicit donations in locations you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and "But, surely, it was obvious. I was then much surprised and the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Ample." what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it begun to whiten, even as mine has." simple that I could easily do it myself, though at each petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here the centre by the ceaseless tread of drunken feet; and by the to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and