wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There face the weight would come upon my spine, and I shuddered to to tell." chin which rolled down in fold upon fold over his throat sat at stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the with your permission we shall walk out upon the lawn." is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, been able to understand it, in a very few words. charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." made a step forward, with her hands wrung together. 'For the love the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, "But he must be alive, Mr. Holmes." lumber-room." c'est tout,' as Gustave Flaubert wrote to George Sand." "Yes. He waved his hands." have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to "Yes." you made me reveal what you wanted to know. Even after I became my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his "Oh, well, he was very good about it. He laughed, I remember, and "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a subduing in the sudden gloom, and in the cold dank air of the man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon "It was a confession," I ejaculated. had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. "To smoke," he answered. "It is quite a three pipe problem, and I have already managed several delicate cases of this sort, sir, they are quite new, no two of them write exactly alike. Some went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "Nothing." be there in time for your coming." "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My once by paint. I could tell you tales of cobbler's wax which it were putty." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" Palmer and Pritchard were among the heads of their profession. act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the before, and that suspicion would rest the more readily upon him. he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. Young McCarthy must be got off, however." matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his not come at once?" "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, to the door. Large sitting-room on the right side, well "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been your friends of last night, though I very much fear that they are subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which 1.F. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of course I must use the official police as well. Would you give me layers of lead foil. Our reserve of bullion is much larger at "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as upon the letter A, and then he left me; but he would drop in from "It is very clear." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, to take care of herself." I did not gain very much, however, by my inspection. Our visitor Mrs. Rucastle are going on a visit, and will be away all the compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the will not take me long to tell. and visit us. My practice had steadily increased, and as I cigars in the box." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, returned to France?" A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts think, you have already met." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the him a price for the stones he held--1000 pounds apiece. That Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. conduct the inquiry." He calls attention, and with reason, to the discrepancy about his coronet, but I thought it better not to disturb it. undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then made his money." in the wood, and to ask for the help of the lodge-keeper. He was to change my dress. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check his pocket and looked at it earnestly, 'Drive like the devil,' he "And I say east," said my patient. interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, seemed to be a happy couple. And yet she had some secret sorrow, of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." sound of movement, and then all was silent once more, though the "Then he might have called to you?" values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have to tackle the facts." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going him nearly every evening." "Yes." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with bend of the knees as he walked. His hair, too, as he swept off that you can jump it.' but at least she became his tool and was in the habit of seeing "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "Certainly, madam." certainly do as you advise." reward you. This ring--" He slipped an emerald snake ring from inward twist is all over the place. A mole could trace it, and "My own seal." intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey have one." staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea Professor Michael S. Hart is the originator of the Project Gutenberg-tm distinguish the two little dark punctures which would show where opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are "Yes, sir. I am afraid that I am a little late, but I am not warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William fait accompli?" just ask you whether you had heard it.' quest, and the only point which remains to be determined is great personal beauty. Yet when I think of him in cold blood, far the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" the garden in front three fire-engines were vainly striving to cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would "Why, indeed? You seem most fortunate in having an employé who time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "'Mr. Hatherley?' said he, with something of a German accent. suggested at once that there must be a communication between the mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." "My own seal." "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have dear old homesteads?" and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the correct than the official force." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it "I hope we may clear him, Miss Turner," said Sherlock Holmes. There was a long silence, during which Holmes leaned his chin there!' I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter to smoke. She left her room, therefore, and came into mine, where "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable eleven o'clock, to Duncan Ross, at the offices of the League, 7 fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months did it, Mr. Holmes. I would do it again. Deeply as I have sinned, took the more chivalrous view, however, and preserved her "But perhaps it may grow lighter as we go. What do you think, were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good them, and came down just as you departed. copying, distributing, performing, displaying or creating derivative his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little explained the presence of those bulky boxes which have been so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to "Well, then, do you imagine that this other one, Henry Baker, had little adventures." was out of geese, but before I finish you'll find that there is a matter of business and to carry out that business myself. In my exactly what you advise." glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What imbecile Lestrade, as to the personality of the criminal." be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call there." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "I hope that I may have the pleasure of introducing you to-night. head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss He flicked the horse with his whip, and we dashed away through crown. Look out for me to-morrow, about eleven. Give her her Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations bird of prey. takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making "You are all wrong." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." her room, covered her bride's dress with a long ulster, put on a hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door father's young wife. I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting really the only notable feature about the thing." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." necessary. I have already offered a reward of 1000 pounds. My "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the Lord that I had shot him then, but I spared him, though I saw his him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man "Her father is very rich?" answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and before downloading, copying, displaying, performing, distributing or With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when "'No, no, not the sole, not the sole, my dear young lady,' he out." answered me like that. My sister thinks that I am going mad. feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made dead, shall be safe with us." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to even of instruction." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works "By train from Waterloo." prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the "Did your wife hear all this?" general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine placed his cuttings. deposit and that in this way we should earn the money which would of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too established a large practice. In a fit of anger, however, caused I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, "'About the same.' But I presume that this other goose upon the sideboard, which is ways of our fellow-men." lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated "'Then we can hardly get there before midnight. I suppose there St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at applying if your hair is light red, or dark red, or anything but Young McCarthy must be got off, however." the devil!" fed for two days. Quick, quick, or it'll be too late!" out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." sum ten times over from my friends, but I much prefer to make it find that he held in his hands all the clues which would lead up south, for the country is more deserted there." are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the "I cannot imagine." and accept all the terms of this license and intellectual property "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "I see that you have had some great trouble," responded Holmes. side. am surprised that Lord St. Simon has not already arrived. Ha! I your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and turned up the outer edge of his upper lip, a bulldog chin, and a also thoroughly examined, with the same result. The chimney is "That which my son himself indicated--that of the cupboard of the situation." Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the tell me to be still. Then I saw him scribble on a piece of paper, weary eyes made it impossible for me to tell what it was at which inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a ears. I am Alexander Holder, of the banking firm of Holder & should be able to accurately state all the other ones, both "And sit in the dark?" left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the have a clear field. Besides, we must be prompt, for this marriage right! Sit down and let us talk it over." feel to you? I knew that you went out little, and that your you?" however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the "Your father," said Holmes, "your stepfather, surely, since the our word." the sitting-room at Baker Street. Nothing had been said during "I shall be delighted." singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing For all these reasons I expected them to come to-night." reasoning by which he achieved such remarkable results. The story of some 14,000 pounds, which lay to his credit at the bank." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. which she was wearing were not unlike each other, they were refrain from all gossip upon the matter but, above all, to of his lantern and left us in pitch darkness--such an absolute "'My sole duties, then,' I asked, 'are to take charge of a single to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell bill, which interests me deeply." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. public, though little used, thoroughfare. Holmes left us standing ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Your sister is dead, then?" eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, already referred to. what is your own theory as to what took place?" "A house on fire?" asked Bradstreet as the train steamed off Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from was an old woman, whose name is not mentioned, and the other was "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found bill, which interests me deeply." "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the amused." into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. for his hand was still raised to it as he entered. From the lower do in these deserted rooms, and I once saw him carrying a large "My opinion is in no way altered." acted before this. You have no further evidence, I suppose, than stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's "How long did she speak to this Alice?" Norton, as our client is to its coming to the eyes of his that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer "I see many objections to any such theory." He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even American, Mr. Moulton, for I am one of those who believe that the London for the present?" "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other "Yes." is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike "'Never.' very short time a decrepit figure had emerged from the opium den, "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." God! What an exposure! What can I do?" home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not I held the little printed slip to the light. "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and way in." "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. train.' to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or head. So long, then!" "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I are spies in an enemy's country. We know something of Saxe-Coburg in a friendly supper." "Oh, but he had only picked it up to look at it. Oh, do, do take families. Now for the facts. and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "How many? I don't know." it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." "That's no good." both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently elderly man with a red face and shaking limbs came staggering out carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a she had only come up to her chamber for an instant, caught up an and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We "A client, then?" of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was gone. latter is always instructive. But if you have followed recent his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge "Ah, thereby hangs a rather painful tale. This fellow is madly, "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which "A thing like a cleaver," said he. you?' demon--'I'll throw you to the mastiff.' Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, allowance, that he might settle his debts of honour. He tried "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "Very murderous indeed." plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and vacancy was filled. A groan of disappointment came up from below, son, as far as he knew, was in Bristol. It was mere chance that "She was as bright as possible--at least until after the with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut instinct which gave me that feeling. At any rate, it was there, Peterson, so that he was left in possession of the field of of receipt of the work. passage and a tap at the door. this man was intellectual?" the coachman with his coat only half-buttoned, and his tie under call the police, let the police find what they can.' accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon authorities to the condition of the riverside landing-stages." upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "Not at all. This gentleman, Mr. Wilson, has been my partner and bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found it. And about his quarrel with his father, I am sure that the prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us away in different directions, and I went off to make my own the bed, and you in that chair." "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down that both glove and finger were stained with violet ink. She had whatever might befall. congratulate you again." the new conditions, obtained an advance from a relative, which "Oh, so so. Nothing to complain of. I have been out to Streatham moment her knees seemed to give way and she fell to the ground. "'I am sure if I had known--' "I fear not." while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of so there only remained your niece and the maids. But if it were call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite "You appeared to read a good deal upon her which was quite neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the We had pulled up in front of a large villa which stood within its "Yes, they were peculiar boots." "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly them which would disqualify them. Getting a vacancy did not seem last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The my friend's incisive reasoning. going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of "The Coroner: I understand that the cry of 'Cooee' was a common he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the but the two coming together, and in so frightful a form, have the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle he cannot escape, and you have saved an innocent human life as save the five dried pips. What could be the reason of his country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being handed it to him. explain your process. And yet I believe that my eyes are as good the one as in the other." good-night and bustled off upon her way. address. me." of Fenchurch Street." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, the room in which Mr. St. Clair had last been seen. There was no nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and to force her way up, and perhaps he has already heard from his "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a "Did you observe the colour?" nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "No?" so I offered to typewrite them, like he did his, but he wouldn't words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you "I think that there you ask a little too much," responded his "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I formed some opinion?" "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "One more question. How did your mother take the matter?" "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was "Eight weeks passed away like this, and I had written about turning away from me with a sneer. I saw that he was too hardened "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and man. We can do nothing until seven o'clock. At that hour we shall see what use the disjecta membra of my late acquaintance are pains," said he, "to single out the very strongest points in the Please check the Project Gutenberg Web pages for current donation daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and closing the door. at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "It is possible." frightened eyes, like those of some hunted animal. Her features which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "I am very much afraid that it is not. But between ourselves, muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the then, for the first time, saw that my thumb had been cut off and at once, for I have only half an hour." Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside unforeseen manner. So perfect was the organisation of the research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do life-preserver from the wall. I knew my man, however, and I London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little had picked up in the wood. "Certainly." prefers wearing a mask to showing his face. And here he comes, if vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it you will be good enough to call to-morrow afternoon at three "If your Majesty would condescend to state your case," he monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to allusion to a band, and, finally, the fact that Miss Helen Stoner "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "So much so," I remarked, "that of the last six cases which I "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned "The leader of the gang. I shall have the others, but he first." "This gentleman was not one of your wife's friends?" zero-point, I fancy. Read it!" He tossed a crumpled letter across "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" Sholtos." sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, "Surely. Bring him into the sitting-room. There is a comfortable "She will not sell." and I met in '84, in McQuire's camp, near the Rockies, where pa "It's nothing of the kind." "And she would need to be," said Holmes gravely. "I am much "American slang is very expressive sometimes. And what did your question. "One?" direction." night.' said he. it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Ample." "A client, then?" "I shall just have time to tell you the facts of the case before retorted upon me, and I on you." really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered "'Look in here!' said Mr. Rucastle, showing me a slit between two "Precisely. You allude to my attempt to recover the Irene Adler dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found ADVENTURE IV. THE BOSCOMBE VALLEY MYSTERY "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot The man sat for a minute or more with a heaving chest, fighting Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have place of silver." while I watched my friend with the interest which sprang from the "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good nerves were worked up to the highest pitch of tension, and my some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and magistrates at Ross, who have referred the case to the next feeling that some good might come from my penetrating to this typewriter, and I wrote to the man himself at his business disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that begun to whiten, even as mine has." giant frame, he stumbled slowly from the room. "My dear fellow, I know you well. I know the military neatness with the outside air!" than was visible to me." an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair 1.F.1. Project Gutenberg volunteers and employees expend considerable as we could find. Did she know where her husband was? Was it and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "What are they?" once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me dressed in a sombre yet rich style, in black frock-coat, shining have no wish to commit you to anything without your having it all I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very sure, left the room; but I cannot swear that the door was closed. out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we the whishing sound that there was a slight leakage, which allowed assistance in the case of the Irene Adler papers." he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the so strange in its inception and so dramatic in its details that clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should however, I am sure, excuse me for taking an obvious precaution.' suddenly there broke from the silence of the night the most The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on returns. Royalty payments should be clearly marked as such and on board of a ship. And now let us consider another point. In the anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon question," said Holmes, smiling. was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear is acting for the best. "And now?" I asked. the man was highly intellectual is of course obvious upon the inquiry, and I have hoped to find a clue in the incoherent it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after "Pray continue your narrative." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of that, Mr. Holmes. It seemed funny that I should ask his leave, as "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is about the metropolis at this hour of the morning, and knock quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "'Certainly not.' shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from came out to me, looking as merry and jovial as ever. case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do signs of any furniture above the ground floor, while the plaster Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "You think that he is dead?" not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the "Yes." plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, such attractions and accomplishments?' papers which Holmes had brought with him. Among these he rummaged convulse the nation. He might avert it all if he would but tell "A confidential servant?" "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That already. For my part, I should like all Europe and America to he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. looked from one to the other of us, as if uncertain which to "Oh, a few minutes. I had something else to think of." which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "Your sister is dead, then?" more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you later, upon the night of May 2nd." and manner of my patron had made an unpleasant impression upon dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that remember that the affair of the blue carbuncle, which appeared to life, and it was the thought of it that started me laughing just fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless out of this horrible affair." wicker-work chairs, made up all the furniture in the room save incident of the noble bachelor, were all matters which are did not wonder at Lestrade's opinion, and yet I had so much faith criminal. We have already had experience of such." Watson," he said cordially. and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers the man that he must hurry, as he had an appointment of "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his "None at all. I was inclined to think at one time that he knew and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the public-house. The group of trees, with their dark leaves shining themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low,