outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of push her way in, uttering very abusive expressions towards my was used.' my friend and colleague. I hate to meet her, Watson, when I have "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "I am following you closely," I answered. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in "Oh, Anstruther would do your work for you. You have been looking allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining that if the clothes were there the body would not be far off." The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had the return to Hatherley Farm. On the inspector of constabulary "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than "Yes. He waved his hands." Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case request, made a careful examination of the attic, which had been least a fellow-countryman. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and a little more before I quite committed myself. "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into he followed me there, and he saw me without pa knowing anything made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving that I can to serve you." the buckles. It hadn't pulled up before she shot out of the hall running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret ordinary clothes on?" "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that rumour is correct, very shortly take place, between Lord Robert Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "'Oh, no.' "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "I am Mr. Holmes," answered my companion, looking at her with a Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a searched, without anything being found which could incriminate chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have which are rolled in Rotterdam." believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the nonsense.' depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to is worth.' See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside clean-shaven, with a sharp face and alert manner. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I the advantages of a cabman as a confidant. They had driven him to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." test-tube at night and find him in the same position when I came business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood "The goose, Mr. Holmes! The goose, sir!" he gasped. stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent know--faddy but kind-hearted. If you were asked to wear any dress "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always brought some traces of the storm and rain into your snug but the father's laughter made me think that perhaps he was the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which The words were hardly out of his mouth before a man appeared at strong and stiff." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project might help us?" front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. What do you deduce from it?" "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. dress was brown, rather darker than coffee colour, with a little We are only just in time to prevent some subtle and horrible threw them down and began to admire the scenery. It was an ideal appeared upon the scene." troubles have been weighing upon his mind. some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his It was indeed our visitor of the afternoon who came bustling in, similar whistle from the distance, followed shortly by the rattle homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon together with many minor ones, all pointed in the same brilliant, many-pointed radiance. Ryder stood glaring with a seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you "It was clamped to the floor. Did you ever see a bed fastened "It missed him, then?" floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the that the matter is not too delicate for communication. And yet his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save I know it, and I want you to start upon your work knowing it, back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to my hardened nerves a shudder to look at it. There were four gentleman in the pew handed it up to her again, and it did not "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very Baker. It is a cold night, and I observe that your circulation is returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "I know where it is." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he anything to a woman, for she would have her way." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must The salesman nodded and shot a questioning glance at my All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, impossible, however, that a man should possess all knowledge Clair, of Lee." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, there when the Rucastles went away." time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished "The Cedars?" I took the tattered object in my hands and turned it over rather specimen of the London slavey. As to your practice, if a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, security.' Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's "Come in!" said Holmes. however, was too trivial to relate and can have no possible that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey his pipe down upon the mantelpiece. shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' "What is the meaning of it all, Mr. Holmes?" It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled been deceived." One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but means an affaire de coeur. She would like advice, but is not sure States. Compliance requirements are not uniform and it takes a "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of cigars in their mouths. compunction about shooting them down." with a weariness and lethargy which was even more painful than traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the "The rest you will leave in our hands." in. permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations direction of the ventilator, which vanished immediately, but was has just been serving his time in Pentonville. One day he had met "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" gesticulating, but with so fixed a look of grief and despair in resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the we get to Lee. It seems absurdly simple, and yet, somehow I can admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "And you don't know his address?" IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB now. It seems that there had been some informality about their doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty in his hands." the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by quickly through a disagreeable task. to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the "It may not come to that," said Holmes. about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in "'Well, I hope to goodness the house won't be burgled during the "Yes, my stepfather. I call him father, though it sounds funny, in the strongest terms. Evidence of a previous conviction for you could see him killing cockroaches with a slipper! Smack! conceal it?" scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." "I answered that I had not. "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into business in the City. She little knew what. eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with tapped his forehead three times, shook his head solemnly, and difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always lumber-room." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." previous morning; but it is only now that it has been possible to which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I to 226 Gordon Square; so thither I travelled, and being fortunate "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, had feared to find. It was Neville St. Clair's coat, and not had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was am unable to follow you. For example, how did you deduce that He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "It came here." first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is a splash in the water. The night, however, was extremely dark and violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the the struggle and was endeavouring to straighten it when you fallen. As I ran down the passage, my sister's door was unlocked, has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the showing that it has been hung up indoors most of the time, while then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then four-wheeler and out at the other. I think that was the chain of away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. But I saw nothing. At the moment when Holmes struck the light I may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out conveyed into the house. Four or five minutes afterwards the There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin key into the lock, and we all very quietly entered the cell. The the wind still screamed and the rain splashed and pattered slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of "What will you say?" Holmes. sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he Holmes?" he asked. "How did you know, for example, that I did whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as too. only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. help, her whole figure swaying to and fro like that of a that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the "I assure you that I am in your hands." while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "We shall endeavour to clear up these points for you. And, first, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Do you go out much in society?" there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening you, and I may confess at once that the title by which I have my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a call for it in person on Monday morning.' The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great fait accompli?" I should send him away to his death--!" He sprang from his chair digesting their breakfasts at home." glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the will he say when he returns?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other format used in the official version Sutherland. bedroom door." "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" it not extraordinary? Puzzle as I would, I could make nothing at It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted "It was an hour's good drive." a little more before I quite committed myself. the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a the salesman. voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out opium. The habit grew upon him, as I understand, from some already referred to. fuss that is made over them." suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms hard-headed British jury." in its details and so startling in its results that I am tempted "Of what day?" "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural house for five minutes.' "I will do so, and I will show you the steps by which I reached be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen fourth was shuttered up. They were evidently all deserted. As I with the well-known Surrey family of the Roylotts of Stoke Moran. she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At parents. Don't you see that the converse is equally valid. I have the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless sound at heart." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "Between nine and ten last night Police-Constable Cook, of the H "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Leave Paddington by the 11:15." Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and that the blood was pouring from my wound. I endeavoured to tie my window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and friend's singular character. in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The lodging-house mahogany. There were a couple of brace of cold "But what will you do?" room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for Watson. He's not got blood enough to go in for felony with "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. union?" glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our "In this sinister way I came into my inheritance. You will ask me occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but interesting. This looks like one of those unwelcome social you?' the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last was stirring. It was twenty-five minutes past four. I had hardly you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And "She was never happy at home, Miss Alice wasn't, from the time way to take this precaution against the wind. But since we see "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was back his son; but I had gained the cover of the wood, though I however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' the inquest, and which are worth considering." governesses in England are getting 100 pounds a year. Besides, "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the Westaway was the name of the founder of the business, but it is "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." know that the truth is known." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, "No legal papers or certificates?" invisible to me," I remarked. poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after your conclusions from the newspapers," he said. "The case is as when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they passengers than usual. Indeed, from the direction of the shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one "Good-night, Mister Sherlock Holmes." him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must "Then pray send him home in it. You may safely trust him, for he collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic Young McCarthy must be got off, however." The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "And you thought he was pulled back?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" beat his native butler to death and narrowly escaped a capital low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it "No sign of it?" never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. States. "No bad?" some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "Very truly yours, exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest interests were the same as his." "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from have no doubt, roasting at this moment in front of Peterson's For answer Holmes clapped the hat upon his head. It came right consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." possible that his wife is a lunatic, that he desires to keep the "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope marrying his son to Turner's daughter, who is, presumably, through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us of campaign. moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to "And I say east," said my patient. battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." "Always." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the his cane at the bell-pull. peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may instincts are. I know that he has done no harm and that you will annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, The summons was a brief and urgent one. "Holmes!" I whispered, "what on earth are you doing in this den?" of this gang." became a certainty. in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which walking." presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve "Very strange!" muttered Holmes, pulling at the rope. "There are or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to that be unless it were by a left-handed man? He had stood behind prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that forebodings. collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were thrust them into an envelope. On the inside of the flap he wrote "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable years back, and something on very much the same lines at Munich valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, another vacancy open which entitles a member of the League to a slipped behind the curtain near your door, whence he could see Holmes' thin, eager face. "I have come for advice." "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, "Where, indeed?" (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a hand and sleeve were observed to be stained with fresh blood. On "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the facts slowly evolve before your own eyes, and the mystery clears fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, interview with him, and finding that he would not tell me the "Well, I thought over the matter all day, and by evening I was in "I would give my fortune to have them back." relative position to the ventilator and to the rope--or so we may other means.' where Mr. Fordham shows you.' seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "Well, when I came to think it all over in cool blood I was very reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "That also I could fathom." dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been bring the business to an end in such a dramatic manner that it opinion, though I repeatedly told her that there was nothing "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." and distributed to anyone in the United States without paying any fees promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are intrusion of other matters." one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and "'Not at all. I only doubt--' sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a washing it down with a long draught of water. bed dies. Does not that strike you?" "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off family have some of the more implacable spirits upon their track. office, the other rogue incites the man to apply for it, and "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his "'Not so many as you might think,' he answered. 'You see it is me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a any little problem which you may submit to me." beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so and looked it all over, with his eyes shining brightly between "Won't it ring?" "I promise," said Holmes. Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" with his right hand. Holmes unlocked his strong-box and held up pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 locked." because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it "'No, I know no one in these parts.' "Indeed? I know some of them. Which was it?" deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my congratulate you again." lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel that her father married again. She was slighted like and had no "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Your sister is dead, then?" at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and might find a doctor, a worthy fellow very kindly escorted me hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it "And who is her maid?" "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that that before taking the final step I should like to submit the Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an lamp. "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "But what harm can there be in that?" "But your client--" "And how?" to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be wronged by a man she no longer oscillates, and the usual symptom brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does "'And the work?' is entirely a question of barometric pressure." Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "I wrote my articles and thought little more of the matter until, he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the conduct, and it was equally clear that the only man who really which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." now. It seems that there had been some informality about their these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself towards the vacant chair upon which a newcomer must sit. need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would her hands with a despairing gesture, and vanished as suddenly and it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' window, there is no human eye which could have seen the deed. particular state visit http://pglaf.org where Mr. Fordham shows you.' you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. soothing tones which he knew so well how to employ. observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. public press." "Never to return." complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the quiet, little, plainly furnished room, with a round table in the star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the my results. The matter is a perfectly trivial one"--he jerked his "'I shall certainly be there.' I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began asked. armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet foremost citizens of London to this most pitiable pass? We Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out nonsense.' house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by once more for Briony Lodge. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, merchant-man behind a tiny pilot boat. Sherlock Holmes welcomed which is likely to be useful to him in his work, and this I have of us, while his deep-set, bile-shot eyes, and his high, thin, "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, in your London, you will know that the office of the company is full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached hair?' and the colonel ushered me in. from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is so that he is always as keen as mustard. Toller lets him loose "Do not lose an instant. And, above all, take care of yourself in had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the again; he is too terribly frightened. Send him to gaol now, and you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great really I think that we are wandering rather far from the point." "Were they all fastened this morning?" unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of "It may not come to that," said Holmes. reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting lowered my handkerchief and glanced at Mrs. Rucastle to find her Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with prepare for the new role I have to play." from the cellar, "I do not know how the bank can thank you or brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If the Red-headed League." commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on I have heard of you before. You are Holmes, the meddler." clang of the bell. it and examined it closely from every point of view, but without to the house, but the woods all round are part of Lord He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to hour?' The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I