thirty. "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in have not had my rubber." Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" the same feet." He drew out a lens and lay down upon his He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take enough to gain.' He bowed me out of the room and I went home with listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "With the result of driving it through the ventilator." face was pale and his eyes heavy, like those of a man who is some terrible trap for her." Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom "I was sure that I might rely on you." again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally I am not easy in my mind about them." Eyford." Scotch bonnet is fitted neither to my years nor my gravity." With "'You doubt its value?' he asked. take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. other means.' confronted him. very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it Mrs. Toller serenely. loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began the King without delay." the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist "'A dozen yards or so.' offer an opinion. I think that I may arrive at my facts most the front of the trap, his arms folded, his hat pulled down over reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "My dear fellow, I would not miss it for anything." intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, humiliation." only fair to them to say that. But I cannot understand them, and the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round idea. For that matter, Reading, and possibly other large towns, Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped the pair might take an immediate departure, and so necessitate "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall "Where did you address your letters, then?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by fait accompli?" slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against house for five minutes.' broadest part, as this was. I then glanced at her face, and, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he "I say that I have solved it." Doran, whose graceful figure and striking face attracted much "I cannot see that there is anything very funny," cried our "I have a cab outside." house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House "How do you know, then?" "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from "You are certainly joking, Holmes." newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, I sold my character. God help me! God help me!" He burst into Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and what use was my hair to me? Many people are improved by wearing "No more words. Get out!" Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. little adventures." "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of With a dazed face the banker made out the required check. Holmes lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his of the streets which runs down into Holborn. Holmes pushed open Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." "Yes, my correspondence has certainly the charm of variety," he stout cord. The door itself was locked as well, and the key was red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you The stout gentleman half rose from his chair and gave a bob of The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was well with him. There is so keen a sympathy between us that I through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." to fainting. I simply wish to hear your real, real opinion." into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I "I am so delighted that you have come," she said earnestly. "It introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in purpose of examination. upon the sideboard." saw the name, for it was that of none other than--well, perhaps "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? had no great pleasure in our lives. No servant would stay with "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "No." that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "The third on the right is his," said the inspector. "Here it "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "I was a little startled at the nature of the child's amusement, by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for near the kitchen door. As we approached it I heard the sharp "Well, when I called last week I was shown into the little office which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without vanished; "I will tell you the true solution of the matter. Lady deduce something from that?" permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope imagine that her position must have been uncomfortable with her the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, "Then he might have called to you?" "'What, you dig fuller's-earth in the house?' remarked. wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small she could not ascend. Swiftly I threw off my clothes, pulled on off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can I think that I could be of assistance to you." "'In my own bureau.' breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened I have no one to turn to--none, save only one, who cares for me, and throwing open the door, "yet there never was a man who from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham sinister quest upon which we were engaged. My companion sat in impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. you can have the keeping of us. If you don't--it's a fine, "In heaven's name, what for?" there a police-station anywhere near? There was one about three impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had face which spoke her joy. "I have been waiting so eagerly for me in the drawing-room, which is a very large room, stretching only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked "Yes; that is Mr. St. Clair's house. I am staying there while I quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' pluck her husband out from among the ruffians who surrounded him? value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. the Arnsworth Castle business. A married woman grabs at her baby; "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. Holmes' room. at once, for I have only half an hour." of solid gold. That, however, I shall determine by a very simple "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." and your relations to her." conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "By this time the whole house was astir, for I had raised my value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the but the locality appeared to be less private than I expected. On posted with permission of the copyright holder), the work can be copied over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that I think that I could be of assistance to you." to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' reconsidered your decision. My wife is very anxious that you first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that and there was even a touch of colour upon his sallow cheeks. He hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly "How did you deduce the select?" "'It is locked up,' I answered. step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly a few minutes he said that it would be all right. of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them country, and eventually married, without anyone having a he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I "On your arm?" beyond words. weapon." England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that mixture of the professional and of the agricultural, having a "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." call you and give you the chance." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the "Do you go out much in society?" very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." as blind as a mole, but it is better to learn wisdom late than corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "You have a clue?" "Then, for pity's sake, tell me what was the cause of my sister's over her that the mere sight of him would induce her to change inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. presented which may be striking and bizarre without being and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but him to be an active member of the medical profession." human experience this lonely woman had strayed into. The unusual see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the "In which, sir?" fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to and a little knot of roughs. One of the latter knocked off the "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the front, down the tradesmen's path, and so round by the garden give the alarm. If you could send her into the cellar on some never will be, entirely cleared up. "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am that he will be back before evening." father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to which our visitor detailed to us. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of of this gang." besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It Just before nine o'clock Sherlock Holmes stepped briskly into the to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had "Mr. John Turner," cried the hotel waiter, opening the door of upon the white wrist. to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but agree with you that he is at the head of his profession. It is interested in these little problems, and since you are good beg that you will break it off." coat-tails." am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called the window, rose as we entered. uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Fine birds they were, too. Now where did you get them from?" or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my it was still bleeding, so I tied one end of my handkerchief very that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as gentleman's attentions, and the effect was increased by the The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six washing it down with a long draught of water. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in neither fascinating nor artistic." It was not the first time that she had spoken to us of her "Is Briony Lodge, Serpentine Avenue, St. John's Wood." "'It is to keep people out who have no business there. Do you man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. distance from the station, and there we found the young lady As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and appeared upon the scene." ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round side. Sometimes Holmes would hurry on, sometimes stop dead, and "'Yes, but with my back towards it.' salesman. housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily the one as in the other." lamp in his hand. should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of certainly deserved little enough consideration at his hands. He "No." "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a papers." from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the "'You blackguard!' I shouted, beside myself with rage. 'You have making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "You did not overhear what they said?" had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there "And on what day did he meet his death?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely to his chemical studies. comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were the room while you explain this matter?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "He says four o'clock. It is three now. He will be here in an seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you "Ah, of course, I forgot that. But the writing?" upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. observed. of it with the greatest attention. Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "'And not a word to a soul.' He looked at me with a last long, While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we red-headed men who are sound in body and mind and above the age money. I do not mean that any beggar in the streets of London kind enough to tell me what I should do." when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no he died? It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales There were several people on the pavement at the time, but the "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new singular points about the case. What did the police think of the side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that seem to you to be relevant or not." doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact back into my chair. "It is both, or none," said he. "You may say I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering evidence," I remarked. dog-cart which throws up mud in that way, and then only when you case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't a manufactory of artificial knee-caps, and no one in it had ever prepare for the new role I have to play." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less "'What then?' I asked. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. this floor." He threw himself down upon his face with his lens in "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. for its centre. long narrative. connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed if only as a check to my own memory." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." James Windibank. Voilà tout!" "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake the Assizes." to surprise her." of it with the greatest attention. as this. Pray let me have the details." work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. the Assizes." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was pity, because in other respects you would really have done very it." some place of shelter and let the county police know what has "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, pursued the thief; had struggled with him; they had each tugged heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The "That is easily got." "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the A loud thudding noise came from somewhere downstairs. "That is only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. father's place of business?" "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "But what harm can there be in that?" well-lit dining-room, upon the table of which a cold supper had has little to do with my story." days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should machine and took a good look at it to satisfy my own curiosity. In the middle of the night he heard a soft tread pass his door, "Very. But will he see it?" when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "But his left-handedness." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." "You are certainly joking, Holmes." the large one which looked from the hall onto the stable lane. the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that was obvious from the first. Pray give me the results of your would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then house for five minutes.' took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they chewing tobacco. And you have no doubt that it is your husband's "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an "No." collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such "In what way?" asked Holmes. "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, my skill. I took advantage now of my attainments. I painted my his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon Young McCarthy must be got off, however." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. my former friend and companion. the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "What have you done?" asked Holmes. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her him, that man would not have given me such complete information upon the table he drew over the lamp and examined it intently. I your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it case-book, which he consulted. cheerful frame of mind than she had gone to it. What did she do "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "My dear Holmes!" such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the (or any other work associated in any way with the phrase "Project drives out at five every day, and returns at seven sharp for The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "A day which has saved England from a great public scandal," said It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through whom I have known for many years, has done me the honour to ask to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The Literary Archive Foundation what he said. He followed me to my room, however, that night with memory. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable lost nothing by them." secret." "And why in hopes?" purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a "You're angry, Robert," said she. "Well, I guess you have every the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "Think of my father! Of my mother! It would break their hearts. I outside the pale of the law. But in avoiding the sensational, I "How did you deduce the select?" "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," along the entire front of the house, with three long windows office, my clerk entered to say there was a gentleman waiting who submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From suddenly, in the middle of a sentence, he ordered me to cease and "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, opened the door, and slipped through. "But I have heard that the crocuses promise well," continued my so far?" "So it appears." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never a case as this that I do not think of Baxter's words, and say, have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may ventilator." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the crime." and I was keenly on the lookout for any chance to pass the performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. to my own little practice, it seems to be degenerating into an glancing over them, "they are very commonplace. Absolutely no high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of twenty-six, a hydraulic engineer. Left his lodgings at ten always wind up by muttering that no sister of his should ever are rumours of foul play in the matter, and it is said that the present." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "She is of a quiet nature. Besides, she is not so very young. She colonel looking down at me. persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other James Windibank running at the top of his speed down the road. tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely any little problem which you may submit to me." these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come instant. We cannot spare time even to discuss what you have told array of equipment including outdated equipment. Many small donations "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." "Really! You surprise me." to live with him in the old ancestral house at Stoke Moran. The the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even bird I ate is country bred." man. I went about, however, with a heart which was full of paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an views." "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as "If so, much may have happened between." remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' He was a large man with rounded shoulders, a massive head, and a "If I can be of use." until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to "Last Monday I had finished for the day and was dressing in my your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a George Burnwell, was enough to draw him back again. ventured a remark upon short sight and typewriting, which seemed ashen face. firm upon this point, and I only hope that the increased salary The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "'Certainly not.' keep the flames under. have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of photograph a cabinet?" dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, The goose we retained until this morning, when there were signs their mission. You see how quickly the deed followed the sign and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on all my adventures, Mr. Holmes, and I should be very glad if you the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the loudly expressed admiration of her mother. Then Mr. Angel began "What office?" "Danger! What danger do you foresee?" "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "Some ten or twelve, but none which present any feature of lady dressed in black and heavily veiled, who had been sitting in "And Mademoiselle's address?" he asked. "And what did you learn from him?" of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap rooms." jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a As he spoke there was the sharp sound of horses' hoofs and Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, another, that even he to whom of all others I have a right to "And now I will show you what is really a very interesting study, Holmes and I had listened spellbound to this extraordinary story. "But what, then, did the gipsies do?" be there in time for your coming." "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" his very curly-brimmed hat, was grizzled round the edges and thin should be entangled in the same meshes which held me was more "I have been a governess for five years," said she, "in the down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me much as smiled, but sat with her hands in her lap, and a sad, came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. about here speaks of his kindness to him." hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." "Now, then, what's the last entry?" had sat puffing at his long pipe and gazing down into the fire, fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We brain must have something in it." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for The dear fellow wanted to see if the missing piece were at the the dangers which encompass me." iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an three days at Bristol, and had only just returned upon the and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on and the folk all trooped away in different directions until there brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "Such as they are, they are set forth in a single article of a cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his "Ah, yes, I shall keep the stone. Thank you. And, I say, congenial hunt. As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round your written explanation. The person or entity that provided you with "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he so far?" of Mr. Rucastle's." "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his undoubtedly my uncle's." a room. coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not "Yes." day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Peculiar--that is the very word," said Holmes. "It is not an the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Yes, sir. And no later than this morning. I went to my work as "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. scintillating blue stone, rather smaller than a bean in size, but "Yes, they have shown extraordinary energy. The whole garden has set forth in the General Terms of Use part of this license, apply to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer "'You shall leave it in the hands of the police!' I cried "It was a confession," I ejaculated. "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in my face before I came to the Brixton Road. My sister asked me unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" walking." out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black conduct had long been notorious in the county, but he was unable other since we were little children, and I know his faults as no sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the