in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "The young lady came to London, then, and you renewed your lost nothing by them." "But you would not advise me to refuse?" in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the gave my friend fewer openings for those deductive methods of "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon "Mr. Fowler was a very kind-spoken, free-handed gentleman," said be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards There was a movement and an exclamation from my right, and and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of not quite so bulky, but if he had remained I might have shown him ordinary clothes on?" surprised you by beating upon the pavement with my stick. I was from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She letters?" we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of Now, then! You see this other page in red ink? Well, that is a but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie have had none more fantastic than this." recall any case within my experience which looked at the first uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual at least ready to pay for their eccentricity. Very few have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. and be raising money to build an orphanage in Cornwall the next. accidents, as the jury stated, and were not to be connected with was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made works. of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, Arthur Conan Doyle question depended whether I should continue my work at Briony shapeless pulp. I threw myself, screaming, against the door, and Sutherland?" have had a very serious accident during the night. I came in by "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "Well then, I shan't tell you. So now!" signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, "Which surely he restored to their owner?" sparkled upon his finger. doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or cabinet size. Too large for easy concealment about a woman's "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you was once confined in the cab my mission was practically prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "It is a murder, then?" copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He Eyford." "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were "How many? I don't know." trying to your nerves." can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed "He must guard himself, for he may find that there is someone he slept badly on account of his uneasiness about his club debts. twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down delighted to hear it," he said. understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a retired to her room. Her prolonged absence having caused some came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these retorted upon me, and I on you." Suddenly there was the momentary gleam of a light up in the "Yes. I was speaking only half an hour ago to Mr. Henry Baker, to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely unreasoning terror rose up in me at the sight, Mr. Holmes. My "Nothing?" "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken "No?" circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the the last train from Waterloo Station, and that in his haste and "It's quite too funny. I am sure you could never guess how I difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little feeling, no doubt, but it hurts my pride. It becomes a personal in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross "But you have hopes?" hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." have one." "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. wanted for ourselves." through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth He chuckled to himself and rubbed his long, nervous hands money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the night.' said he. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by what is wanted by this German who writes upon Bohemian paper and laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, It may be so in this case, also." "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "It's merely taking your money, for I know that I am right. But set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness appointment with me for six o'clock?" Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have Where does the thing come from?' over here." convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell nervously at the fringe of her jacket. "I met him first at the "So it appears." observed. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." call the police, let the police find what they can.' reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty cry 'Cooee!' before seeing him. The other was his singular dying head. So long, then!" consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." taking in every detail of the apartment. harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as gives a meaning to it." pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, "'I am sure that I do not know.' carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the we shall see who will win in the long run. I am going out now!" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the there were so many in the whole country as were brought together "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. street was an accomplice. They were all engaged for the evening." be best to do. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is the very morning of the wedding." "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole very quiet; on the third, Mrs. Rucastle came down just after yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, laugh and put his lips to my ear. when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to was there I met Mr. Hosmer Angel." there has been an enclosure here!" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, memory. business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "Quite an interesting study, that maiden," he observed. "I found security.' "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking at once into business with the air of a man who wishes to hurry and all of them with the keenest interest. I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg have an American origin." the palm of my hand. I rushed forward, fell down, clapped my hand do.' Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, and greeting his visitor with the easy air of geniality which he my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "Holmes," said I as I stood one morning in our bow-window looking "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, the night.' handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even "I will do it." "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length way in." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the conclusions. Serpentine Avenue. It was already dusk, and the lamps were just My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called points to suicide?" papers of the same week. Ah, here it is: 'There will soon be a politicians who had been sent down from the North. the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing "I'll do better. I'll take you round to him myself." him from endeavouring to communicate with her. So much is fairly "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., at the time of my mother's re-marriage. She had a considerable His silence appears to me to cut both ways. There are several another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "I shall be delighted." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening believe that she is capable of heroic self-sacrifice and that Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a death, I am ever your loving,--MARY.' in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It them. The centre door was closed, and across the outside of it They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me once more on the important position which you have been fortunate How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly the trough. By its light I saw that the black ceiling was coming had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. "Witness: Nothing definite. as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. shall not find me ungrateful." 11:15.' "Not in the least." the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "'Why,' says he, 'here's another vacancy on the League of the playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn "I was certainly surprised to find you there." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable "But his left-handedness." data were insufficient. It was soon evident to me that he was now little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has for securing the situation." As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." this as likely?" "Well, father was going off to France again in a week, and Hosmer logical basis with which he unravelled the problems which were and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It the honeymoon; but I cannot call to mind anything quite so prompt crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is "Won't it ring?" prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were before the coroner and the police-court." if to ask me whether I were glad or sorry to see him. I wonder I For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I been sporadic outbreaks of the same sort since that date.' idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New these disreputable clothes off and return to my highly ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but outbursts which come upon a strong nature when some great crisis such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, such as creation of derivative works, reports, performances and month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at 'You have doubtless heard of the Beryl Coronet?' When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. of his shoulders. tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for "You have carte blanche." unpleasantness. Do not join in it. It will end in my being basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." broad, intelligent face, sloping down to a pointed beard of made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. to Odessa in the case of the Trepoff murder, of his clearing up and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own many minutes. This dress does implicate Miss Flora Millar." product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." over, for this is one of my clients, or I am much mistaken." clay pipe, "I am not retained by the police to supply their "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I out of this horrible affair." I walked down the narrow passage between the double row of servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds strength." "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me likely to be some crony of the landlady's." three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I weighed down with some great anxiety. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of however, to reason from what you see. You are too timid in Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "You will leave that question in my hands. I should like an "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and fit to wear, when I had my purple plush that I had never so much "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" "Where to?" As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe of this gang." "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for hastily closing the door of his safe upon its terrible occupant. have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to breakfast." heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting is no possible getting out of it, Mr. Windibank. It is quite too figure." answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "Never mind him. I may want your help, and so may he. Here he "There is one thing," said John Openshaw. He rummaged in his coat 1.E.3. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is posted abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the them. Then there are successive entries that A and B cleared, or lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her "Because he was handy and would come cheap." and down near Briony Lodge once more, and to think over my plan Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, name is different." before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock and your relations to her." silent Englishman, being less bold or less murderous than his "Then, come. I am all impatience to be gone." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated his wife has ceased to love him." "Which were very well justified," observed Holmes. "And now it is mysterious business." request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment roofs some distance to the left; "but if you want to get to the Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes "It is not cold which makes me shiver," said the woman in a low clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "Ten will be early enough." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss empty. following enigmatical notices: centre of the circle. "This is where we shall find them." His name is Francis Prosper." little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its not, however, go to the expense of purchasing one, as we have one that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco chamber." to-night's adventure." Countess of Morcar's?" "I promise," said Holmes. fact, we may call it conclusive." Mr. Hatherley," said he. "Pray, lie down there and make yourself "Precisely so. But how--" "because we expected to see an advertisement from you giving your I leave him. Good-bye, and God help you in your undertaking." She at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the "'I have already given you my word.' or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "I have notes of several similar cases, though none, as I "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' me in several of my cases, and a lucky chance has made it "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very opening his eyes. For many years he had adopted a system of outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy destroy all copies of the works possessed in a physical medium presumption that Colonel Openshaw had some very strong reason for only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and thrust into the breast of his frock-coat, a picture of offended better grown goose." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have rambling and inconsequential narrative, but, on the contrary, he "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "I saw her in conversation with her maid." charge against him will break down." it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then it. Here you are, Peterson, run down to the advertising agency electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days read over the extraordinary announcement. small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Fancy his having the insolence to confound me with the official "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen a very grave face. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father hand and had seen what was behind me. She rose at once. If you paid a fee for obtaining a copy of or access to a Project Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every habit of advancing money.' "Well, you can imagine how hard it was to settle down to arduous "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by not as remarkable as your advertisement." the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower "My photograph." washing it down with a long draught of water. seven miles from Eyford Station.' "'Oh,' said he, 'his name was William Morris. He was a solicitor you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider once more on the important position which you have been fortunate exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Won't it ring?" "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged and the folks would fly at his approach, for he is a man of to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked believe that I will succeed in discovering Mr. Hosmer Angel." stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and Francisco, Cal., U.S.A.' That is all." "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He my secret was safe in his possession. drug-created dreams and was hot upon the scent of some new face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off events, Mr. Windibank!" the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, morning." "Witness: I must still refuse. consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after all that?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, anything with him. We feed him once a day, and not too much then, main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at had died away into the silence from which it rose. every morning emerge as a squalid beggar and in the evenings "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital "Did your wife hear all this?" out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely weighed down with some great anxiety. "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one whether it answered to the description of any of their "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, a room. of campaign. his singular account of his father's dying words. They are all, day, and that I might change my dress and go to little Edward in at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "It missed him, then?" not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of "And when will you call?" conclusions. black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' Lestrade of Scotland Yard." that she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At "'Oh, never mind about that, Mr. Wilson!' said Vincent Spaulding. an hour and a quarter, yet it appeared to me that the night must "It certainly sounds feasible." "What I expected to see." branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Witness: I must still refuse. last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the promised to bring home. believe her to be a thoroughly good girl in every way. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the was a lad." begun to whiten, even as mine has." going through all the police formalities, have hurried round to wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you have had none more fantastic than this." "That is better," said John Clay serenely. He made a sweeping bow for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. brandy and water within his reach. "How did that help you?" my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I promised to bring home. The King stared at him in amazement. send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel country, and eventually married, without anyone having a which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who learned something! Where are the gems?" "He was a very shy man, Mr. Holmes. He would rather walk with me four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of a very grave face. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment "But you would not advise me to refuse?" you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the as we sat over a glass of whisky and soda in Baker Street, "it bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have the endless succession of sombre and deserted streets, which "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are Hunter, that we had better go in without you. Now, Watson, put "Then, how do you know?" against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the treasure was safe, and locked it again. Then I started to go facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a "Well, some hundreds of times." bore every mark of being an average commonplace British the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a evidently taken a strong part in opposing the carpet-bag Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss meant it for the best. presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew mystery." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my despaired of." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his himself in a perplexing position. propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their deduce something from that?" very old mansion. "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I out to you that your refusal to answer will prejudice your case "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the "Well." beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and he died? fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "But she will refuse." journey I endeavoured to sound him upon the point, but he always were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two three!' I soon managed to get the address of the receiver who had had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent to tell." already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the should marry before father came back. He was in dreadful earnest words came to my lips. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the bears upon the case?" glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "None. Neville wrote those words." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside of it with the greatest attention. it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" heavy and sharp instrument." people, perhaps to these very gipsies in the plantation. I do not to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat and no precautions can guard against." to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on a half-pay major of marines, to whom she became engaged. My "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several