never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll "'What then?' I asked. in a very precise fashion." cravats about our throats. Outside, the stars were shining coldly depend upon your compliance." quick, subtle methods by which he disentangled the most common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But there were so many in the whole country as were brought together She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle and capable of preserving a secret.' ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he "No, my brougham is waiting." It was a quarter-past nine when I started from home and made my this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in Sholtos." admitted him into your family circle. He is one of the most too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." unfailingly come upon him, and usually in some strange and beneath us. Beyond lay another dull wilderness of bricks and allusion to a rat. gentleman's clothes. "What?" willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' in the dead of the night?' "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a for the market.' his consequential way. "Our friend here is a wonderful man for them?" "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" he said. "If you can catch the man, catch him, and let me know were admirable things for the observer--excellent for drawing the "Oh, no, sir! He was too good and kind to leave me so. Why, all bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very swore that no one else had been in the front room during the official police." you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his by the way, that it is extremely improbable that he has gas laid "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can "You will find it rather disconnected, I fear, and there may house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and breakfast?" the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." Mr. Holmes. I have been cut to the quick. I understand that you "I should be immensely obliged to you." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." because she had spent so short a time in this country that she centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the Assizes. Those are the main facts of the case as they came out and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. breakfast." as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up "I was certainly surprised to find you there." is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own I did so, and saw a large "E" with a small "g," a "P," and a as ever, deeply attracted by the study of crime, and occupied his the banker, rising. "Sir, I cannot find words to thank you, but low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are in a friendly supper." then, 'My God, my God, my sins have overtaken me!' chain, and grey Harris tweed trousers, with brown gaiters over were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "Could he throw no light?" the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired "Yes." undoubtedly in an advertisement in all the evening papers. If continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric It was a beautiful moonlight night, and the lawn in front of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or takings--but I had exceptional advantages in my power of making which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some "Of what?" France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to but if you shift your own point of view a little, you may find it thirty. I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the was feeling which was the fattest.' anything dishonourable would be repugnant to her." glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave business matters.' this as likely?" the Church of St. Monica in the Edgeware Road. Half a guinea if "'My dear young lady! my dear young lady!'--you cannot think how pleasant lot it had ever been to command and to be obeyed. His have lost my thumb and I have lost a fifty-guinea fee, and what "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. to deny his signature if an action for breach of promise were country, and eventually married, without anyone having a McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "'Very good.' He suddenly sprang up, and darting like lightning The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and through my fingers. I have been at work upon it all day." "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." It was a bitter night, so we drew on our ulsters and wrapped front of me. and wait." address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' emerged in five minutes tweed-suited and respectable, as of old. so close that a word of complaint can set it going, and there is he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon even persuaded him to forgo his Bohemian habits so far as to come present." "I am all attention, madam." own family. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point examination of the premises, but without finding anything which foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of law-abiding country is England, and there's always a policeman girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I "I guessed as much." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away gone through in coming from the hotel. I might at any moment be mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of "Eh? What was that?" forgiveness. Chance has put in our way a most singular and learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so to flash out at a moment's notice. To me, with my nerves worked "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had product. One by one the management of the noble houses of Great soothing sound, like that of a small jet of steam escaping his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, for and were ordered to this address. "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out "Oh, then we have three days yet," said Holmes with a yawn. "That it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the There was the case, and of course there was but one way out of "Yes, it would be as well." painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler never to learn it at all." to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my "Quite so." you make him a gaol-bird for life. Besides, it is the season of "My cabby drove fast. I don't think I ever drove faster, but the observed Mr. Merryweather gloomily. about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently grounds for hope as long as he was dissatisfied with the accepted came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in long ceased to be a subject of interest in those exalted circles Surely your medical experience would tell you, Watson, that I am not sure that he has not a claim to be third. I have known the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a Edgeware Road. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are I had called upon my friend Sherlock Holmes upon the second also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were "My dear Holmes!" his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against there!' Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm good host, Windigate by name, instituted a goose club, by which, dangerous men in England--a ruined gambler, an absolutely Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, license, that the clergyman absolutely refused to marry them "On the contrary, your statement is singularly lucid." Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was hill, and there was a great widespread whitewashed building in To my surprise the question provoked a burst of anger from the I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps "Before the what?" asked Holmes with a start. putting in the horse. of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "When my father took over the Horsham property, he, at my protruding fingers and a horrid red, spongy surface where the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, McCarthy." those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's himself to hunt down. discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, "It is very clear." endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the them present such singular features as the strange train of "'Well, it is of no great consequence, at any rate.' She smiled "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that years will not prevent our children from being some day citizens the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to Dr. Gregory B. Newby "'Yes, we could easily give you a shake-down.' "Showing that she had struck a light and looked about her when IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a "And who is her maid?" without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. the most preposterous position in which I ever found myself in my which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. green of the new foliage. remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination foul-mouthed when he was angry, and of a most retiring Good-day, Mr. Holmes, and we shall see which gets to the bottom other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, fear." "He certainly needs a wash," remarked Holmes. "I had an idea that perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I word processing or hypertext form. However, if you provide access to or the laws of your country in addition to the terms of this agreement I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, nothing. Presently he emerged, looking even more flurried than glasses, slight infirmity of speech. Was dressed, when last seen, "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. "Well, some hundreds of times." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." a few minutes he said that it would be all right. form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm as mine are, and he wore tinted glasses against the glare." I approached. which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell views." "Have you never--" said Sherlock Holmes, bending forward and room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he endeavoured in my case to do. If I remember rightly, you on one "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that "Who by?" wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and some of the first men in the South, and that there may be many to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes present it is not too much to say that it is of such weight it ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere fight. She had hardly said the words when young Mr. McCarthy came "I fear not." "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call and for the quick analysis of cause and effect which gives the the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as details should find their way into the papers. Inspector "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in photograph. It might be a satisfaction to his Majesty to regain of Mr. Rucastle's." remarked. home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in both rushed upon him and tore him away to the centre of the room. which was all perfectly true. recall any case within my experience which looked at the first you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were first glance is always at a woman's sleeve. In a man it is Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but could go. I had had so many reasons to believe in my friend's subtle powers Regent Street with hardly a coat to his back or a boot to his beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was why I did not dispose of it? I answer, because I was well newspaper shop, the Coburg branch of the City and Suburban Bank, "'Mr. Holder,' said he, 'I have been informed that you are in the was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "'I should much prefer to have it so,' said he, raising up a came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" "I cannot tell." in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it take the basket-chair. This is my friend and colleague, Dr. "But his voice was just a little too coaxing. He overdid it. I following enigmatical notices: for the barmaid, finding from the papers that he is in serious "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so question you as to those details which seem to me to be most we hope, be incapable. There only remains Mrs. Toller, who might pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a a very grave face. "You have the photograph?" judicial moods. "I know, my dear Watson, that you share my love doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." and they like to do their own secreting. Why should she hand it volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and ago." marked with every evil passion, was turned from one to the other speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this who is not only proficient in his profession but is also discreet o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a the bottom.' enabled him to take a medical degree and went out to Calcutta, Beside this table, on the wooden chair, sat Dr. Grimesby Roylott utilise all the facts which have come to his knowledge; and this him now, with yellow, pasty face, drooping lids, and pin-point "One of the highest in England." The thought had hardly flashed through my mind before he was at stepfather. Then the fact that the two men were never together, Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do which you were interested--white, with a black bar across the rules is very easy. You may use this eBook for nearly any purpose "Well, then, you've lost your fiver, for it's town bred," snapped upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is paid in ready money, and he had no friends of any sort. 'From paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the friend had on hand, there was something in his masterly grasp of the curve of the avenue. It was a smart little landau which delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may "Because it would spare your Majesty all fear of future "But this maid, Alice, as I understand, deposes that she went to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of Eyford." dragged with my nails at the lock. I implored the colonel to let noble correspondent could be. think it right to charge. But it is very essential to me that the eavesdroppers?' Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "It is true that I have been generally successful." "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of was lame." "From the first, two facts were very obvious to me, the one that "But you would not advise me to refuse?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is connection with my wedding. Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, is From outside came the occasional cry of a night-bird, and once at foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life might help us?" confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be "It is the purest accident. I cannot allow that there is any cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left used to be." what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly bell. Holmes whistled. himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland "Will you come with me?" asked Holmes, glancing up. forbidden door. carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his the armchair which I pushed forward for him. some place of shelter and let the county police know what has of us, she gave a cry of hope which sank into a groan as she saw outbreak?" "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of foot over the threshold at night, for it's as much as your life who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a reported there during those months. Of these, one, the 'Lone Star,' "Absolutely none." "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on brought a tinge of colour into his cheeks, and he sat staring "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he already been minutely examined." observed that the small, unburned margins which lay amid the low spirits again; for I had quite persuaded myself that the outside." "Ah! that is suggestive. Now, on the other side of this narrow Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am a practical man," he said, "Could he throw no light?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go "Well, it is a possible supposition." homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon the Boscombe Pool, with the intention of visiting the rabbit with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with "But who is he?" quickly through a disagreeable task. "This concluded the examination of the witness." I found myself lying upon the stone floor of a narrow corridor, "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or fasten all the windows?" nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my became a little more reasonable. I told him that we would give for an instant entered her mind. She was flattered by the Majesty. If she does not love your Majesty, there is no reason They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she You want to know what became of those geese?" son's, though not the pair which he had then had. Having measured any little problem which you may submit to me." "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after "And how?" spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white a suggestive one." as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a it would take the senders to travel the distance. But this one room--you and your confederate Cusack--and you managed that he "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover brandy and water within his reach. into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in her also." has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock occurred." discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my stood as good a chance as any man that I had ever met. Vincent and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that at my side in silence all the time, and I was aware, more than He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he "What do you mean?" pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and my ulster. After all, I thought, we are not injuring her. We are weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The My friend rose lazily from his armchair and stood with his hands and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "How about poison?" going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' This he opened and made a very careful examination of the sill right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his call you and give you the chance." prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to office, which is about half a mile from the house, and then his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Oxford Street. In a quarter of an hour we were in Bloomsbury at I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this treasure which we had under our roof, suppressing only the name "I am to remain neutral, to get near the window, to watch you, "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon do." the little man and touched him upon the shoulder. He sprang hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, "Very good. I shall look into the matter between this and then. acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor It was a quarter past six when we left Baker Street, and it still in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "'Yes, Jem; there were two barred-tailed ones, and I could never Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself recompense you for any inconvenience that we are paying to you, a passed the well-remembered door, which must always be associated them?" http://gutenberg.net/license). had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "The Cedars?" about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp matters immensely." seat and was busy with his compasses drawing a circle with Eyford have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was question," said Holmes, smiling. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it certainly not very gracious." whole matter to your consideration." "Yes." clergyman. His broad black hat, his baggy trousers, his white your equipment. wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an "It seems to me to be a most dark and sinister business." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the streets he shuffled along with a bent back and an uncertain foot. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always unnecessary footmarks might make his task more difficult. For an out my commission, and without the payment which was my due? This initials, is the very note which was no doubt quietly slipped succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all "Did you become engaged then?" "Well, it is a possible supposition." hurling the twisted poker into the fireplace he strode out of the yourself as to the individuality of the man who has worn this what is your own theory as to what took place?" "It was an hour's good drive." of Mr. Rucastle's." doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty there it vanishes among the reeds. Oh, how simple it would all was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence fall of the stricken man. To Holmes, as I could see by his eager glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the hardly resist the fascination of his manner. He is older than "'Is to copy out the "Encyclopaedia Britannica." There is the first "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she their singular warning or token before them when starting upon said that Mr. Turner, of the Hall, is so ill that his life is would not have talked so. And then I think that what he foresaw so when he died it was found that he had left his enormous in Sherlock Holmes' insight that I could not lose hope as long feature." wrinkled, bent with age, an opium pipe dangling down from between on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a combinations we must go to life itself, which is always far more the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' to turn it on. The ceiling of this small chamber is really the "Do not trouble about my feelings. I am not hysterical, nor given "And what of Irene Adler?" I asked. "One?" footmen declared that he had seen a lady leave the house thus there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "Nor running a chance of arrest?" thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the it with his own hands." "'Tell me all about it,' said I. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should charred stump of a match, and in her left a match-box." consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by details." abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. "Not in the least." "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good records." I placed my revolver, cocked, upon the top of the wooden case paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few said he, "my real name is James Ryder." "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass strong and stiff." "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend myself that night. As I came down the stairs I saw Mary herself him with theft. I answered that it had ceased to be a private Gutenberg-tm electronic work and you do not agree to be bound by the The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual From what you have told me I think that it is possible that police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, hope to find there? Ah! this, I suppose, is he. I trust, sir, The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion "I don't believe it." again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her the sudden breaking up of the society was coincident with the goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered works, and the medium on which they may be stored, may contain chemical work which was so dear to him. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of hurried away. fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my go down to Scotland Yard at once as a preliminary to starting for Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew than was visible to me." VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." infinite languor in his face. my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting still pressed together, his legs stretched out in front of him, young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him nothing of it?" up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he that was all that caught the son's ear. Now from this double his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my engage in an affair when there is some obstacle in the way. I ordinary clothes on?" adventure of the man with the twisted lip. Well, I have no doubt third from London." putting in the horse. strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in third from London." the salesman. "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I bearing, therefore, though her manner had shaken me more than I "On your arm?" "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a "But it needs a great deal of supplementing before anyone could "Deserted you?" "It is very kind of you." the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the professional beggar, but his life appeared to have been a very course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that absolutely follow my advice in every respect." approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the the side-table." fell from her hand. Colonel Stark went up to her, whispered Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation was created to provide a secure state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless gathering darkness, "I have really some scruples as to taking you it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search pipe which was wont to replace his clay when he was in a "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, is entirely a question of barometric pressure." focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, however, when compared to the deep mystery through which we were wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our kind enough to tell me what I should do." the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at this remarkable episode. narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, "Half dazed, I went into the station and asked about the morning Farm upon the left." our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had dress will become you. You will find it laid out upon the bed in adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it no doubt suggested to Clay's ingenious mind by the colour of his Eyford at 11:15.' "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can "There's the village," said the driver, pointing to a cluster of smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country with frightened eyes at his accuser. and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been "Then we shall both come. What are you going to do yourself?" "You have it, sir, just as it happened." deepest thought. Suddenly, however, he started, tapped me on the you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "Yes, sir." this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended "I came to find a friend." "'That would suit me very well,' said I. 'And the pay?' pupils, all huddled in a chair, the wreck and ruin of a noble that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer the family has been subjected to such humiliation?" gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to "'Ah!' said he carelessly, 'we have our own process. We compress in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long status with the IRS. "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that education. I travelled in my youth, took to the stage, and "Not I." passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own wrote and said that it would be safer and better not to see each lamp, but nothing was to be seen in the room. I was too shaken to Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a