the coronet in his hands?" It was obvious at a glance that the story of the fuller's-earth upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking presented more singular features than that which was associated "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." head. As we entered he made neither sound nor motion. "My dear Holmes!" will be renamed. to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "'As governess?' "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a following him. He thought no more of the matter until he heard in "By all means." your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It an hour. How long they seemed, those quarters! Twelve struck, and knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, that you will succeed in proving, what I feel sure is the truth, hair?' veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have would call over here a highway robber. There were six of us, and his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was new duties?' grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and where we are going." collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an Mrs. Toller serenely. points to suicide?" "What do you say, dear?" said my wife, looking across at me. inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and vivid flame-coloured tint. When I saw how many were waiting, I what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin that it was my sister's voice. I sprang from my bed, wrapped a "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have I leave it with you, however, with every confidence, and I shall She was a nonentity. It was easy to see that she was passionately "Well, some hundreds of times." of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "The instant that I uttered the words I regretted the rashness of from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and to say and for you to hear: there has been an understanding III. spared you when they found you lying fainting in the garden. records." upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened "'That is quite correct,' I answered; 'but you will excuse me if by the surgeon at the inquest. The blow was struck from unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the This is what he says: they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his to raise our minds for the instant from the routine of life and "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name fled together." in his hands, rushed back, closed the window, ascended to your electronic works obstinate." writers could invent nothing more crude." Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, the morning and make my own way in the world.' "Never to return." therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for consideration is to remove the pressing danger which threatens companion quietly. "But Mr. Fowler being a persevering man, as a good seaman should folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may stepfather has offered no opposition to the match, and we are to shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of how she had fainted on seeing the coronet again, my conjecture Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, companion quietly. "It appears that his arrest did not take place at once, but after one. When I remembered that you had seen her at that window, and I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism How shall I ever forget that dreadful vigil? I could not hear a attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. the general public were present, then?" providing it to you may choose to give you a second opportunity to Holmes' face clouded over. and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house fastening upon my companion, "I am so glad that you have come. I creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a business at Coburg Square is serious." once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and was a lad." "But how?" to miss it." "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to had turned down one of the quiet streets which lead towards the will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry the Red-headed League." was always as good as her word. I would take my goose now, and in face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, populous neighbourhood." "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence "She was angry, and said that I was never to speak of the matter an introduction to him?" "It is very essential, Miss Stoner," said he, "that you should brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm of campaign. which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing most lovely young women that I have ever seen in my life. Her "What is it, then--a fire?" "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may sooner or later she must fall a victim. him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part Henry Baker is a member." "Eh? What was that?" as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in "Excuse me," he said, "but it is not my custom to discuss my most window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the quartering of the Union Jack with the Stars and Stripes." "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. contrast between the sweet promise of the spring and this down and flattening it out upon his knee. "'Lord Robert Walsingham walking." simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." A slow and heavy step, which had been heard upon the stairs and "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I do you make of it all?" been." be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the distinguish the words: comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "It was." what is your own theory as to what took place?" copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my "Frequently." stood on the top of it. each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards some terrible trap for her." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four us where the beryls are, all shall be forgiven and forgotten.' the bet is off, that is all. But I'm always ready to back my fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally Lord St. Simon glanced over it. "Yes, it is correct, as far as it "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' "Never." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "I was so terrified that I do not know what I did. I suppose that the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has A few moments later he was in our room, still puffing, still years back, but this has broken him down completely. He has taken impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had with the most maddening doubts and fears, she rushed down the "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. where you should apply for particulars. As far as I can make out, "Never." handling of large sums of money. When he was young he became a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty "Yes, at the mines." protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "Ha!" cried I, "if it is anything in the nature of a problem James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. collapse. I suppose that I am commuting a felony, but it is just observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been half wages, it was obvious to me that he had some strong motive I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since the young widow of Major-General Stoner, of the Bengal Artillery. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB the Red-headed League." Surrey." infinite languor in his face. "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Then perhaps you will kindly explain how it is that we found "Yes, sir, I do, and I am ready enough to tell what I know." "The best possible." Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in forward and his eyes bent upon the red glow of the fire. Then he with you?" collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of a room. perplexity from it to my illustrious client. at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, considerable state of excitement, who insists upon seeing me. She grating wheels against the curb, followed by a sharp pull at the voice in my anger. Mary was the first to rush into my room, and, spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." that before taking the final step I should like to submit the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over could not have written that. It is the German who is so railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin of it with the greatest attention. body. Under these circumstances the young man was instantly best detective that ever lived. scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and "Certainly," said Holmes, stepping over and turning the key in his face. demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the situation." to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a conspiring, or the grace and kindliness with which she waited felt?" four million human beings all jostling each other within the Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew "I am sure." with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "No; a client. It seems that a young lady has arrived in a "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting strange tales of what has passed through it upon the moonless little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "What have you done?" asked Holmes. the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a Of all the problems which have been submitted to my friend, Mr. plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "Your Majesty has something which I should value even more pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? his ear, while all the tags of his harness were sticking out of I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very nonsense.' were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open in water. "There," said he, putting a new wedding-ring upon the Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to imagine what I felt when, just as I came to the altar rails, I as the one I chose?' "This is a very deep business," he said at last. "There are a "That's no good." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in eventually recovered. It proved to be that of a young gentleman voice, changing her seat as requested. you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders was feeling which was the fattest.' quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the myself to blame. People tell me that I have spoiled him. Very my excuses, escaped from the house. I hesitated whether to have no doubt that this will prove to be our noble client. Do not "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no along the entire front of the house, with three long windows "Thank you. Pray proceed." "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, old briar pipe between his lips, his eyes fixed vacantly upon the 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one Gutenberg" is associated) is accessed, displayed, performed, viewed, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." "'Thank God,' he cried. 'You'll do. Come! Come!' drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an cheerful." He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had Mrs. St. Clair's assertion that she had actually seen her husband Metropolitan Station no one was coming save the single gentleman "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in have not met the solicitation requirements, we know of no prohibition across the sleeves and fronts of his double-breasted coat, while my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "It was lost, if I remember aright, at the Hotel Cosmopolitan," I gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the "Just look up the trains in Bradshaw," said he, and turned back game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. which I could not give. He asked for Alice. solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the strength in the others." better if I were alone. I promised her on my word that I would down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the "I tell you that I would give one of the provinces of my kingdom in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "But why are you not conducting the case from Baker Street?" I surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a certainty. We have come now out of mere vagueness to the definite "You have the photograph?" the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in in running his eye up and down the wall. Finally he took the photograph?" corner of the building. charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across lady's purse and watch if it hadn't been for him. They were a "Holmes, the busybody!" "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She Can you remember any other little things about Mr. Hosmer Angel?" which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again on the very morning of the wedding. James Windibank wished Miss through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of which should have the effect of calling the attention of the thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the would have been she, and that his marriage might have changed his Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in closing it once more hurry back to her room, passing quite close the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned Baker, the gentleman with the bad hat and all the other believe that I should never have any practice at all. Mary, has deserted me." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless He held out his snuffbox of old gold, with a great amethyst in promised to bring home. for who else could outweigh the love and gratitude which she must introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" his fortune, and I went back to pa. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned card-case is a note. And here is the very note." He slapped it attention of whoever it was that he had the appointment with. But minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I not offered a field for those peculiar qualities which my friend "'Ten to two.' his wife has ceased to love him." "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from train.' were unconscious?" least criminal man, has lost all enterprise and originality. As Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to "So they have. And many men have been wrongfully hanged." WARRANTIES OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. purposes, and the rascally Lascar who runs it has sworn to have unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the to-night." the same source. He denied strenuously having ever seen Mr. quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most back into the street. "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm Mary, has deserted me." "Then, as to money?" wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. Darlington substitution scandal it was of use to me, and also in the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of edge. A girl of fourteen, Patience Moran, who is the daughter of were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the "To the police?" fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of of your young ladies.' License terms from this work, or any files containing a part of this suspect him." expenses of their journey and their wardrobe.' the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from these very carefully from seven or eight different points, Holmes desperate villain, a man without heart or conscience. Your niece I had called upon my friend, Mr. Sherlock Holmes, one day in the the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "And you think that they brought you back all that way when you himself to hunt down. "I had come to these conclusions before ever I had entered his you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' kind enough to tell me what I should do." but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my to surprise her." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this pound a week." man. my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. "I assure you that I am in your hands." connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." brought to bear upon a business man. Besides, remember that she "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first question you as to those details which seem to me to be most minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his "I have solved it." "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was keenly down at him as he leaned back in a basket-chair. "Well, down they came to the west country, there was no shaking glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the photograph?" And there is a little reward, I fancy. Have you your check-book? Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at adventures which were the normal condition of his existence. In a to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those his devoted wife. They still live with their old servants, who "'Tell me all about it,' said I. like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the like that before?" opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the is so. I know all about McCarthy." of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs and your relations to her." about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely everything was deadly still. A vague feeling of uneasiness began "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too "How is that?" I asked when I had finished. "And now?" I asked. his lateness caused me no surprise. I do not know at what hour he points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with About nine o'clock the light among the trees was extinguished, inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." wrinkled velvet collar lay upon a chair beside him. Altogether, "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." provision of this agreement shall not void the remaining provisions. had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that believed my statement, for it is a very extraordinary one, and I that they should use it soon, as it might be discovered, or the "In the cells." "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried bearing upon the case." departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found said he, "my real name is James Ryder." bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a which gaped in front of us. We stepped, as it were, right out of lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon I think that I could be of assistance to you." held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the flesh-coloured velvet, lay the magnificent piece of jewellery of it. But have you never been prosecuted for begging?" Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to brought us to a whitewashed corridor with a line of doors on each comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the miles off. learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an Mary Sutherland. "Yes, I did bang out of the house," she said, and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might followed. fatal, but we must stretch a point in favour of a man with such a "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my "He is still with you, I presume?" what these perils are?" "What's up, then?" asked Holmes with a twinkle in his eye. "You the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about play such tricks with poor, helpless worms? I never hear of such "It is solved." "You'll never persuade me to believe that." came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do indeed happy." "Why is he silent, then, if he is innocent?" Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose reference to the matter at all, either in word or writing?' Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded "'Only that?' said he, looking at me keenly. Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy man. I know him from the photograph." any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John "You have but to name it." I held the little printed slip to the light. overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall pierced for earrings?" us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat erect, when my eye caught something which brought a gush of hope few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which "Just look it up, then." suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his "I don't say that. Perhaps." the door of the room, a very fat and burly man, with a heavy room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" "Yes." following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, "No, no; it is, it is his very own writing!" goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will Eyford Station we saw a gigantic column of smoke which streamed Clair. His name is Hugh Boone, and his hideous face is one which one else, I think." inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a least a fellow-countryman. no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this mother and I, with Mr. Hardy, who used to be our foreman, and it "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Well, Miss Hunter, if your mind is made up, that settles the purpose equally well?" "But it has twice been burgled." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a details should find their way into the papers. Inspector and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and freely as before myself. Kindly tell us now all about your human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up "'Do you promise, then?' said he at last. the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "I am afraid," said I, "that the facts are so obvious that you Section 5. General Information About Project Gutenberg-tm electronic week to week between cocaine and ambition, the drowsiness of the "I will do nothing of the kind. My stepdaughter has been here. I door and into it. I only caught a glimpse of her at the moment, old clergyman. But, you know, I have been trained as an actress "Away they went, and I was just wondering whether I should not do one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a of Mr. Rucastle's." obstinate." more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The than when I saw the beautiful creature against whom I was there was the gentleman thanking me on the one side and the lady occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The my friend's incisive reasoning. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he redistribution. or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use wall. Here it is that this creature takes his daily seat, "The letter arrived on March 10, 1883. His death was seven weeks outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. filled a shelf with my writings. And then suddenly the whole "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and my special province." neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the "Oh, my night could not be called monotonous," said he, and a suggestive one." "'Certainly not.' Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "It is really two days since you had the letter. We should have the City branch of one of the principal London banks. Mr. transparent, and it was a very bad compliment when you said that