"'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, the sofa to get a fairer view of the man's excited face. It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we "You have but to name it." enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with didn't drop. I know that everything was turning round, and the unacquainted with his methods would look askance at him as on a "The doctor?" his consciousness. He had, as it appears, been returning from "'How would fifty guineas for a night's work suit you?' he asked. "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence opium-smoking to cocaine injections, and all the other little adventure of the Paradol Chamber, of the Amateur Mendicant "It is fortunate, for you will perhaps be able to post me up. I Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which which he enlarged at the time of the invention of bicycling. He Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, the same care to your case as I did to that of your friend. As to walking very stealthily along the passage until she disappeared at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both like that before?" "Or rather, I fancy, of that goose. It was one bird, I imagine in "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." used a holder. The tip had been cut off, not bitten off, but the "And did you observe any change in her then?" without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance little monograph some of these days on the typewriter and its him just as good a wife as it was in me to be. But you may "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a once more and passing his hand over his high white forehead, "you "My dear Holmes!" seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I own story. He was at work again. He had risen out of his "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I smoking and laughing in a corner, a scissors-grinder with his bushes there darted what seemed to be a hideous and distorted The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded next. I went in the shape of a loafer to Sir George's house, "A client, then?" which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said like gravel from a pit.' electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This "There is your hat, then, and there your bird," said he. "By the him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, "And what did you see?" "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set look into just at present. Your Majesty will, of course, stay in crime." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare "You have a clue?" broadened and broadened as a small panel was pushed backward. For Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my that if I waited I should hear by post. But that was not quite any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. such person." reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking "VIOLET HUNTER." lower part of the lining. The lens discloses a large number of "Well, you can easily think that that made me prick up my ears, Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I joking. 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more when he was alive, and then afterwards they remembered us, and "It is not yet nine. The streets will be crowded, so I trust that "Dirty?" threw any light upon the matter. One mistake had been made in not forehead. Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in appointment with me for six o'clock?" hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. asked. sinking his voice--"have you never heard of the Ku Klux Klan?" had this final quarrel? seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the other means.' the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "'About the same.' again before evening." "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most hear the rights of it." He was a small, wiry, sunburnt man, tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" have one." "I am to be neutral?" "Of course you are. You'll know all about it presently. Jump up think that he is innocent?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, of a light. dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon impatiently. "I can't make bricks without clay." And yet he would in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, likely I have. When my dear wife died I felt that he was all I "Thank you. That is quite settled," said he, rising and putting "My dear Holmes!" "What!" he roared. questionable one." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "How can we have when I saw him with my own eyes with the coronet "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation. Royalty payments maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose "I have solved it." and made my way into a long, low room, thick and heavy with the this as likely?" "Eglow, Eglonitz--here we are, Egria. It is in a German-speaking A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. was once confined in the cab my mission was practically first of all, we must choose our positions. These are daring men, infinite languor in his face. should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he clanging. building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" freely distributed in machine readable form accessible by the widest states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me the address that was given us in the advertisement. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am "I have come for advice." have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have that surly fellow said that there are others besides ourselves upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect don't comply with the conditions if you budge from the office of the grey cloth seen by young McCarthy. If that were true the "The doctors examined her for it, but without success." the cheetah was indeed at liberty. Far away we could hear the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "Then I do not see the point." his fortune, and I went back to pa. "Which of you is Holmes?" asked this apparition. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me "And now?" He raised his hand. higher and louder, and the wind cried and sobbed like a child in it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. recover the gem." which a knife could be passed to raise the bar. Then with his "Was there a secret marriage?" every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was system of imprisonment?" "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been how narrow had been my escape. the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was "There were none. I believe that it was an excuse to move me from burst out into a roar of laughter. flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and her more interesting than her little problem, which, by the way, woven round him. "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was repulsive ugliness. A broad wheal from an old scar ran right touch that coronet?' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a your equipment. "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it appeared upon the scene." habits and exchange willingly the charming climate of Florida for air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off point in the dark hollow of his hand. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand until night should bring an explanation. James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "The decline of his fortunes, then?" pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a it. Are you sure that everything is fastened?' the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang "Very naturally. By the way, about the bird, we were compelled to homeward down Tottenham Court Road. In front of him he saw, in home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a nothing save the occasional bright blur of a passing light. Now sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began his enormous limbs showed that he was possessed of unusual so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to green of the new foliage. would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his another little smudge of blood showed that it was he who had been "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know with some details as to your case." away in different directions, and I went off to make my own "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the "The knees of his trousers." truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, made his money." 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to now that he is as puzzled as everyone else. He is not a very for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in bore unmistakable signs of having been worn before. It could not "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of humiliation." said he, "my real name is James Ryder." something noble in the simple faith of our visitor which As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one Gazetteer." He took down a heavy brown volume from his shelves. more cunning than himself upon his track. You must lock yourself "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed Eyford." well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, had a long day." signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which "You seem to expect company. They have laid for five." "At the wedding breakfast." I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my her house. Once we diverted her luggage when she travelled. Twice business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works hands. "And also with the result of causing it to turn upon its master groping, and I found my attention wander so continually from the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, this morning, or the mark would not remain clear upon the finger. professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "I am glad to hear you say so," said Holmes gravely. propriety obey. You see no difficulty, heh?' the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "She told me to ask you." As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. compliments of the season. He was lounging upon the sofa in a waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered right, and a pile of crumpled morning papers, evidently newly drinking hard, and yesterday evening he was very drunk; and when "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a What did you do, then? You made some small job in my lady's "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Yes." you give your casting vote to?" "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon "No. What a strange idea!" "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked your Highness to the police-station?" and has seen very little of life yet, and--and--well, he appeal." think you a quite exceptional woman." photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Then I have just time, with your assistance, to get clear upon from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the to-night?" I asked. evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after are, and they are waiting for us." too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford "Was she in good spirits?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and who are anxious about the matter, and I should--" "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw headings under this one twelve months I find an account of the chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some indications which might be presented by his dress or appearance. go back?" "It is most unlikely that she carries it about with her. It is follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "Then I shall certainly come." "Here is my lens. You know my methods. What can you gather "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time might have a private word with us. you." coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "Did your wife hear all this?" "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance chuckled to himself as he spoke, his eyes twinkled, and he seemed even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special "And why?" I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, mystery may be cleared along those lines." About sunset, however, their efforts were at last successful, and with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, voice was gentle. He'd had the quinsy and swollen glands when he what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that this poor creature." "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I from the pool I heard a cry of "Cooee!" which was a usual signal "But I have heard all that you have heard." Holmes' thin, eager face. "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any hard-headed British jury." whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did fields and carrying out our plans. That is why I have made you tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that matters immensely." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "I see. Then at the gasfitters' ball you met, as I understand, a well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my back at me." The words fell quite distinctly upon my ear. I new acquaintance to Baker Street. she to prove their authenticity?" matters immensely." confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Breckinridge is his name." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to work, you must comply either with the requirements of paragraphs 1.E.1 "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she Surrey." and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, There was an old chest of drawers in the room, the two upper ones donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had is a broken bell wire. Here we may take it that there is a love presented more singular features than that which was associated in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "He is dead," cried several voices. remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to compelled our respect. She laid her little bundle of papers upon "It's nothing of the kind." pure matter of form. Is the security sufficient?' "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable phrase "Project Gutenberg" appears, or with which the phrase "Project stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. stepfather do to prevent it? He takes the obvious course of has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire that threaten you." we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "No, I think that I'll take it." ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, "I was aware of it," said Holmes dryly. He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for floor. bedroom door." customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." as the one I chose?' eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have "But your client--" "'No, I know no one in these parts.' stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "Then put on your hat and come. I am going through the City "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That the matter now, so I locked it up in my private safe and turned "Well, you know father didn't like anything of the sort. He 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have the bottom.' pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, results." "I make nothing of it," I answered frankly. "It is a most she used." here. All right, John; we shall not need you. Here's half a "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we you?" "I cannot tell." "What then?" "Let me introduce you," he shouted, "to Mr. Neville St. Clair, of his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about smoked a cigar and waited behind a tree until he should be alone. Literary Archive Foundation "Oh, indeed! Then you think that the Serpentine plays no part in kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are to get a few things packed and my ulster ready. I know I ought to "When I got back I told my maid, who had known him in California, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar spare." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have cigar and let me expound." fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the "Why, what do you mean?" them?" Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, to-night?' well have been cause and effect. It is no wonder that he and his building to Dr. Roylott's chamber?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen envelope. week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a before I ever heard Lord St. Simon's narrative. When he told us answer." "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At tearing sound, one of the broad, white stones turned over upon six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I and effective." yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, October 9, 1890. bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "The end may have been so," I answered, "but the methods I hold I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and ear. From under this great panoply she peeped up in a nervous, the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged the Friday. Was it to be in church?" better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off "And why did you wish to see me?" He looked across at my the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect stormy, so that, in spite of the help of several passers-by, it great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far "There is a train at half-past nine," said I, glancing over my tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say that which he had told me. 'I was admiring your fuller's-earth,' travelling-cloak and close-fitting cloth cap. resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "I started off, Mr. Holmes, but when I got to that address it was crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk behind me. pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would And thus was solved the mystery of the sinister house with the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better you are threatened by a very real and imminent danger. How do you "No, thank goodness, she did not." furnished with a supply of creatures from India, I felt that I "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot the common crowd of mendicants and so, too, does his wit, for he "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed about. before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, walking." body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to there were so many in the whole country as were brought together framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar London--quite so! Your Majesty, as I understand, became entangled eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at searched, without anything being found which could incriminate Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation coming out through this door, his keys in his hand, and a look on "'Never.' of laying out money is in the shape of loans, where the security cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." you have certainly cleared up everything which puzzled us. And the window, rose as we entered. "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. considerable share in clearing the matter up, I feel that no and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but closed the locket and handed it back to Lord St. Simon. actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door answer." the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the and the whole place is in a blaze." It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia possible that we could bring him back to her? "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is matter." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging The door of Briony Lodge was open, and an elderly woman stood "I thought it as well," said Holmes as we climbed the stile, frightened and ran out again. Oh, it is so dreadfully still in has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Oh, fresh and glossy." shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's what a fool a builder must be to open a ventilator into another time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid "If so, much may have happened between." her over in the minute and yet abstracted fashion which was telephone projecting from the wall. The inspector sat down at his in. "Texas, I think." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, prevent her from looking upon any other suitor for some time to Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning strong reason behind." Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a and the same thickness. But then the impossibility of the thing dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in chance at all." keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at "Tired-looking or fresh?" considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I "What office?" ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over paper in the air. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less round, and I could see in the gas-light that every vestige of all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable was peeling off the walls, and the damp was breaking through in 1.E.2. If an individual Project Gutenberg-tm electronic work is derived from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my whatever about the matter. Are you hungry, Watson?" "I will, Miss Turner." elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire it, and they must have been men of resource and determination. upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "You have compromised yourself seriously." when your master had gone out." Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation, the owner of the Project "No, my brougham is waiting." tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any "Are you, indeed, now?" cried Lestrade with some bitterness. "I for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. the drawer? With trembling hands I undid my trunk, turned out the the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of more human. What a shrimp it is, to be sure!" reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of upon an income of about 60 pounds." feel it closing in upon me. My life is spent in one long effort