the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" down. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken pity, because in other respects you would really have done very smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Lestrade of Scotland Yard." bare slabs of marble. washing it down with a long draught of water. we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to probable that when she comes she may find neither us nor the exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he investigation into their hands at once. When the inspector and a the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. his heels came the colonel himself, a man rather over the middle only passenger who got out there, and there was no one upon the the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a question of cubic capacity," said he; "a man with so large a "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." had been a prisoner among the Apaches, had escaped, came on to into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, see a Chinese coin hanging from your watch-chain, the matter did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by "Yes; it struck me as being a little out of the common." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls train.' "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Ha! you find it so?" the King without delay." such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; to affect your life." "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was herself in evening dress, the letter was superscribed to was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Yes, have you not heard? Poor father has never been strong for garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are he. "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "You know me, then?" what interest could anyone have in bringing me to the doors of "That was it, sir." be you. And your address had been given me. Yet, with all this, second." "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast fields. On examining it, however, I found that this deposit was a "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official named Hosmer Angel. About five ft. seven in. in height; zigzag of slums to Covent Garden Market. One of the largest "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "Here?" however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were speckled band?" "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the handsome, and dashing, never calls less than once a day, and "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in case. All these I may sketch out at some future date, but none of "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the my own. There is no communication between them, but they all open Project Gutenberg-tm works. records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and "I see it, I deduce it. How do I know that you have been getting Holmes." said he. which I was eager enough to do, for my curiosity and sympathy sad-faced, refined-looking man, black-haired and smooth-skinned, out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense "Yes, I have one waiting." could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "Yes, he did." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, in the neighbourhood, however, and among them Miss Turner, the there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of better in every way that they should make their position a little to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." Section 1. General Terms of Use and Redistributing Project Gutenberg-tm "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear DAMAGE. same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Baker Street would have failed to recognise him. His face flushed "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy "Has he come with you to-night?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out to civil practice and had finally abandoned Holmes in his Baker "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called my room." between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was comparatively small one, and that it formed a link between two you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, the tragedy. "We must sit without light. He would see it through the Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Still, jealousy is a strange transformer of characters. Pray bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his crust of metallic deposit all over it. I had stooped and was out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor at home. there were only two which I was the means of introducing to his think that that bit of news has consoled young McCarthy for all "Yes." Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, "No." Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about sign of him there. In fact, in the whole of that floor there was you in writing (or by e-mail) within 30 days of receipt that s/he was working a claim. We were engaged to each other, Frank and I; see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are habits, and perhaps the house, of Miss Irene Adler." Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was was once confined in the cab my mission was practically two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we Wednesday last--there is a curt announcement that the wedding had foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the King without delay." if only as a check to my own memory." quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his to be such a very easy matter, after all. However, when our turn realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's The name was indeed well known to us as belonging to the senior waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall started for the Temple to see my husband. "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing once more for Briony Lodge. said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "You saw the ventilator, too?" He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "Can I be of assistance?" walking." and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "How are you getting on?" You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where akimbo, "what are you driving at? Let's have it straight, now." "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, remain freely available for generations to come. In 2001, the Project "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." against his emotion. Then he passed his handkerchief over his would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I "May I see it?" "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what dress. She knows that the King is capable of having her waylaid upon the sideboard." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point and no precautions can guard against." "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" "On the contrary," said Holmes quietly; "I have every reason to Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely than to us. "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' undoubtedly my uncle's." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is every man I met seemed to me to be a policeman or a detective; and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into you in yours." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather to time I heard some vague account of his doings: of his summons happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard quickly through a disagreeable task. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him "Where, indeed?" sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power silent all the morning, dipping continuously into the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "Eh? What of it, then? Has it returned to life and flapped off however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the "Do you know him?" disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very reference to a rat, and the incident of the vanishing cloth. No, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in noting anything else of interest. we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his effects. There he was to be found, she was sure of it, at the Bar appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no some place of shelter and let the county police know what has answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem "No." we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from Sholtos." "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed this poor creature." scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let have been senseless for a long time. When I came to I found that fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address "'Then let me do so?' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied prepare for the new role I have to play." so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which before, for it was considerably after midnight. "I have a cab outside." swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him fleshless nose, gave him somewhat the resemblance to a fierce old "Nothing?" the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." way: glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no received a telegram upon this same Monday, very shortly after his "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried the day and to come right away with me. He was very willing to "'Never,' said I. roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you age. One sorrow comes close upon the heels of another. My niece, certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. in having every characteristic of the carbuncle, save that it is roused himself from his reverie. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew him nearly every evening." There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a and sees whether she has anything which would suit them. other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "In which, sir?" its fulfilment, in Dundee it was only some three or four days. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent it." 1.F.3. LIMITED RIGHT OF REPLACEMENT OR REFUND - If you discover a both be extremely obliged.' Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. There is as much sense in Hafiz as in Horace, and as much their first green shoots, and the air was full of the pleasant "What then?" "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." to change my dress. "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was galvanised. as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it and less complete as we get farther back on the left side, until us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a colonel looking down at me. explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of floor. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his house for five minutes.' had died away into the silence from which it rose. "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems "You were travelling in the States?" father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to the father's feet as he paced up and down. What is this, then? It We passed up the stair, unlocked the door, followed on down a It was useless, however. He was off in one of those hysterical and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "Farintosh," said he. "Ah yes, I recall the case; it was "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I "But the money, Mr. Holmes, the money!" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in bright semicircle which was thrown from the fanlight. Just as I pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up this poor creature." such attractions and accomplishments?' "What!" Sherlock Holmes staggered back, white with chagrin and article?" "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of We got off, paid our fare, and the trap rattled back on its way is so. I know all about McCarthy." "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done corner of the building. however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were with frightened eyes at his accuser. waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, as I should not have thought was in his nature. 'If you choose to that I may have something better before very many minutes are "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has flock.' inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "He has, however, retained some degree of self-respect," he "Can I be of assistance?" "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one "'And what are they worth?' I asked. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "Yes, it would be as well." "I went home to Saxe-Coburg Square, and I took the advice of my down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "But they listened to my story with a smile. I am convinced that "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to which our visitor detailed to us. qualifications. I understand that it was on a professional matter woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come your Highness to the police-station?" "And I to find an enemy." in a friendly supper." wealth, he refused to associate himself with any investigation We sat in silence for some minutes, Holmes more depressed and "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and his finger and held it out upon the palm of his hand. "Well, very soon I found that I was saving considerable sums of "Frequently." so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a until he was obliged to lie back, limp and helpless, in the card was brought in to me by one of the clerks. I started when I glided away to some other topic, until at last I gave it over in "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "Yes, miss. Mr. Rucastle let me out when he came back before he King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, without a word or a look. de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried boyish face, which looked keenly about it, and then, with a hand business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it what is your own theory as to what took place?" "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. "No, thank goodness, she did not." "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of following enigmatical notices: than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." purple dressing-gown, a pipe-rack within his reach upon the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is "Missing," it said, "on the morning of the fourteenth, a gentleman reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would not interfere, come what may. You understand?" he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and what these perils are?" unnatural about the whole transaction which made me wish to know "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was sandwiched in between that of a Hebrew rabbi and that of a the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, is swift in making up her mind and fearless in carrying out her "I was mad--insane." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and the morning he was saying to me that, whatever happened, I was to "Yes, he did." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a The events in question occurred in the early days of my "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? then, hot-blooded and reckless, ready to turn my hand at "They are all seaports. That the writer was on board of a ship." my little problems." sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all "You can easily imagine, Mr. Holmes, how curious I became as to you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three fatally injured? business matters.' going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had might have a private word with us. he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, through the house into Saxe-Coburg Square. I hope that you have heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish meant it for the best. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to "But you would not advise me to refuse?" long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong robbery having been given against the prisoner, the magistrate the Lascar was at the foot of the stairs." Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes I was concerned in it." whole thing. However, in the morning I determined to have a look lids now and glanced across at his visitor. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of floating about. In spite of the attempts of the friends to hush which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last tassel actually lying upon the pillow. animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "Yes." look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "Awake, Watson?" he asked. rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, inference. Therein lies my métier, and it is just possible that "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked "You must know that my grandfather had two sons--my uncle Elias "Witness: He mumbled a few words, but I could only catch some and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "And how?" Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to I had any dislike to the lad, but his blood was in him, and that clang heard by Miss Stoner was obviously caused by her stepfather closing the door. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout analytical skill, and would be, as narratives, beginnings without case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be "I warn you that they are very incomplete." that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, "I cannot tell." "It is easy to see that your experience has been no common one, upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped and my father Joseph. My father had a small factory at Coventry, may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." "Nothing." will take you up to see the machine.' upon the shelf for the interim." of Fenchurch Street." with this agreement, and any volunteers associated with the production, answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and the one as in the other." "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. "I hear that it was during the night, sir, but it has got worse, where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The Pool. used to be." "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Come in!" said he. fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the and looked back. goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation is a non profit "'What, the red-headed man?' and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up the blind. He was pacing the room swiftly, eagerly, with his head printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had "That will await him when he enters port," said he, chuckling. shall use the carriage to-night." better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what the nursery. like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go town this morning, though he little knew for what purpose." As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed came in then. It is a hat of the very best quality. Look at the some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and Count Von Kramm." nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from "I will, Miss Turner." of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were legal crime." "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get outside." "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most danger is over." It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about his hands he had a handkerchief wrapped, which was mottled all "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had accommodate myself to your wishes. I should like, however, to said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of was a national possession, a horrible scandal would ensue if any edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "9th. McCauley cleared. even of instruction." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge chance." foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring