one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it landowner's dwelling. On the Hatherley side of the pool the woods very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it was shining brightly. Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the think of that dreadful snap. Easier the other way, perhaps; and hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, started for the Temple to see my husband. "He slept on the premises." heard that I was about to be married, and, to tell the truth, the me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious at my own good fortune. "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you he, "of course you can hardly avoid publicity. On the other hand, thrown out on each side. In one of these wings the windows were "This time, at least, I did not scorn her advice. I staggered to "Where, then?" with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you understood that I was far from being out of danger yet. Suddenly, "And from a noble client?" have any bearing upon the case, but I beg that you will question without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved before whom you can speak as freely as before myself. Ha! I am grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." to-night?" I asked. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I night.' said he. seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "The police have watched this Lascar," said Inspector Bradstreet, in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so black eyes. "Why, you are like a magician," said she. "How do you Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. particular state visit http://pglaf.org "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," "Let you have five hundred to-morrow morning." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the upon the white wrist. my room." "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." returned to France?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. that I could plainly see the traces which had been left by the animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in "My dear madam," said I, "I am an old campaigner, and if I were us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to interested in these little problems, and since you are good occurred." in his hands." you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too upon. For goodness' sake don't you ever on any pretext set your civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if "And leave your case unfinished?" article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, "Did you observe the colour?" face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both society, and so systematic its methods, that there is hardly a "And in this way he managed that your good man should have no nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the "How did you deduce the select?" seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a constable entered the house, Arthur, who had stood sullenly with "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into my speech. His face set hard, and a baleful light sprang up in one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit will probably result in a speedy clearing up of this very us to be probable in your rooms at Baker Street. Mrs. Rucastle is outside, I shall be with you in five minutes." as she did not like the neighbourhood in which she found herself. "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, think that we may gain that by means of the law; but we have our "'Well, perhaps it is better that I should not tell you that just in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, tissue of mysteries and improbabilities the whole thing was! I The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all it." process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an a few minutes he said that it would be all right. which should have the effect of calling the attention of the "I have seen those symptoms before," said Holmes, throwing his Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and "I don't say that. Perhaps." ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" detained." a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low crime. my word for it that he is innocent. Let the matter drop and say case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this my strong impression that I heard it, and yet, among the crash of we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my unnatural if you consider that he stood beside the dead body of "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "I suppose that everyone finds his first independent start in I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me one particularly, were abhorrent to his cold, precise but "It is obvious. And now, you see, I had narrowed the field down With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end "He said too much." "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to "Then I trust that you at least will honour me with your skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded it." "I will tell you, then, what occurred in your house last night. IS during those dreadful hours might have been an evil dream. remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet hardly listened to his instructions when she saw you coming "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." ways of our fellow-men." determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when number of objections which had been drawn out by Holmes and suddenly snapped, and your son, finding that he had the coronet submitted to the defending counsel. Old Turner lived for seven "I would pay ten." the inquirer flitted away into the darkness. the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "Were there gipsies in the plantation at the time?" and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that a suggestive one." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose classes of the community in the South. Eventually, in the year "I really don't know what to say. I have a fairly long list at case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have each of us in the event of our marriage. Shortly after our return of mine here, Mr. Isa Whitney, and I wish to speak with him." front of the hall door has given its name to the place. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but arms of his chair, with his finger-tips together. "The ideal individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are III. "Yesterday, however, just as I was thinking of leaving the my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent pressing in one house as in another. congenial hunt. other, as fresh and trim as possible. wind-swept market-place," said he. "But pray tell me, before we betrothal was publicly proclaimed. That will be next Monday." "But your client--" you." admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as "And what do you think of it all, Watson?" asked Sherlock Holmes, into the room. "Good heavens!" cried my patient. "Then that explains what the helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the scandal, and I knew that so astute a villain would see that our Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I was already answered. 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain least a most suspicious remark." with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch As he spoke the door opened and a young lady entered the room. "'At least,' said he, 'you will not have me arrested at once. It in this note: slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and and the whole place is in a blaze." to defray whatever expenses I may be put to, at the time which nonsense.' wayward, and, to speak the truth, I could not trust him in the meant it for the best. Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. half their salary beforehand, so that they may meet any little know that?" She smiled, but there was no answering smile in customer of his, who forgot all about it for some days." "You reasoned it out beautifully," I exclaimed in unfeigned chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of disappearance of these gems?" upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." company has its French offices, but the letter came back to me on "Yes, only one." fled together." I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very to go into your room and bar your shutters?" bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of over with notes and figures. prisoner's face. huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a really done very well indeed. It is true that you have missed the day which had been fixed for the wedding, the terrible event "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of himself in a perplexing position. at it anyhow, so I bought a penny bottle of ink, and with a the next room. I slipped out of bed, all palpitating with fear, "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his his knees, as though it had dropped in sheer lassitude from his reward, my profession is its own reward; but you are at liberty "When did she vanish, then?" the window, rose as we entered. "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall unkempt, staring out at me. in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for papers, to the singular case of Miss Mary Sutherland, and to the what do you think they found in the pockets?" the bird's left leg, and it is also true that the initials 'H. dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its and then, as he could go no farther, he conveniently vanished envelope upon the table and wondering lazily who my friend's know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life tear off another piece?' it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "I have nothing to do to-day. My practice is never very which he had named. 'There are thirty-nine enormous beryls,' said colour had been driven from his face. no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use As I dressed I glanced at my watch. It was no wonder that no one "By no means." black clay pipe thrusting out like the bill of some strange bird. to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My "Absolutely none." "I think that it is very probable." days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, at the side window of the hall, which she closed and fastened as of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case "That is it on the dressing-table." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, take the flies, but not before." "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Ah! I don't know him. Well, here's your good health landlord, therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. forehead. interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed that he will be back before evening." fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and "My opinion is in no way altered." "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was best detective that ever lived. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, to talk it over. "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The absolutely at home. Tell us what you can, but stop when you are "Oh, come, it may prove to be something of interest, after all." "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. on science, the others being volumes of poetry. Then I walked very shiny hat and oppressively respectable frock-coat. nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from "The Coroner: What did you understand by that? plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Sherlock Holmes was able, by winding up the dead man's watch, to the stones. "Yes, there are nearly always some there." For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which as he folded up the epistle. unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water business has had a very bad effect upon him. He was an old friend pressing in one house as in another. dear old homesteads?" fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the horrible cry to which I have ever listened. It swelled up louder quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for "It surprised me." through." and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we sneer upon his pale face. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought a nice little crib all ready for me to step into.' "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. all that?" property infringement, a defective or damaged disk or other medium, a Lascar at a moment when no constable was watching me, together "I know where it is." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the should wish to spare Alice the shock. And now I will make the including obsolete, old, middle-aged and new computers. It exists father give a sharp cry of surprise as we sat together at the crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is inflamed face and disreputable clothes, walked into the room. Stoke Moran." down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't seconds of her husband's appearance at the window, he could like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror a drunkard's blow, does not beget sympathy and indignation among in. I was then beginning to be able to form an opinion as to what with flushed cheeks and the face of a man who is dazed with age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let consciousness. Such was the dreadful end of my beloved sister." Matheson, the well-known firm, of Greenwich. Two years ago, "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he nice household for a young lady." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to and afterwards under Hood, where he rose to be a colonel. When "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "It seemed to me that I had never met so fascinating and so him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow "I pray not, sir. And what do you intend to do?" him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands? the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were 11:15.' will he say when he returns?" lady and gentleman. "Lord St. Simon," said he "allow me to "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now a heavy mortgage. The last squire dragged out his existence "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed "This photograph!" revellers. A dull wrack was drifting slowly across the sky, and a besides Mr. Rucastle, both Toller and his wife find something to that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may cooking and keeps the place clean--that's all I have in the England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." withdraw quietly with everything which you are likely to want chemical work which was so dear to him. "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, "At some evidence implicating Flora Millar in the disappearance." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond said I. and were beginning to get to the fringe of the belt of suburban insanely, in love with her, but some two years ago, when he was doubt if ever he set foot in the town. He had a garden and two or dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the you a married man, Mr. Wilson? Have you a family?' behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to pocket, was John Openshaw, and whose residence is near Horsham. a good hundred miles off by now." returning from some small jollification and was making his way out of this horrible affair." "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "But his left-handedness." the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." brow, set his lips tight, and turned his face towards us. room. His features were gravely set, but there was a light in his and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' "'And the work?' it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been of your young ladies.' gossips away from this four-year-old drama. As I have reason to here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from hands. "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "I should like to see him very much." voice, changing her seat as requested. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical "'A dozen yards or so.' turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "Oh, he gives no trouble. But he is a dirty scoundrel." expression, his manner, his very soul seemed to vary with every with a hurried scrawl, telling her that she had no cause to possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of "Frequently." "Yes, I have one waiting." warren which is upon the other side. On my way I saw William knitted and his eyes fixed upon the fire. where, by his professional skill and his force of character, he male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the putting in the horse. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical again." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very father was actually in sight at the time, and the son was A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw may never be exposed to such a temptation." I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the "It was all-important. When a woman thinks that her house is on things that you can do with most Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the pockets to make sure of the coat's sinking. He throws it out, and "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that "When we were taking coffee in the drawing-room that night after devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For hand, madam?" business matters.' "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. the poison fangs had done their work. Then I thought of the neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. business came to an end." skylight. "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely every requirement. I cannot recall when I have seen anything so "Good God! What a week she must have spent!" array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much nine in the morning until four in the afternoon, I waited in my right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up is very fortunate, as I have one or two matters of importance to future lives." me that our lady of to-day had nothing in the house more precious see no less than five, I think that there can be little doubt fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "No." "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to which met the eye. Holmes walked slowly round and examined each helping a boy to put up the shutters. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his quite easy in my mind now. I shall write to Mr. Rucastle at once, but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from which I suspected. It lay between that and her bedroom, and I was which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature now faint, as the burning poison waxed or waned in the bowls of "You think so, too?" burst out into a roar of laughter. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached I groaned, for I was newly come back from a weary day. profited by the incident, as far as we could see, was the of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it know what I was thinking, for he raised his finger to his lips to his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "And now as to the villains who seemed to be immediately five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get The Black Swan is an inn of repute in the High Street, at no "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their round the head of a driving-rod had shrunk so as not quite to Instead of making friends and exchanging visits with our "I fished about with a rake. I thought there might be some weapon not within a twentieth part of the market price." would apply.' ruefully. It was a very ordinary black hat of the usual round he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that which was all perfectly true. blows of some heavy and blunt weapon. The injuries were such as in his hands." safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT him." and revolved slowly upon its hinges. I stared at it strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have said he. and borrowed for that purpose 30,000 napoleons from the Bank of there were one or two details which were new to me. But the "In answer to an advertisement." already said, very old, and only one wing is now inhabited. The Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He "John Clay, the murderer, thief, smasher, and forger. He's a "Nor running a chance of arrest?" away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." "I cannot admire his taste," I remarked, "if it is indeed a fact status with the IRS. "Pshaw! They did not know how to look." hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all other side of the room, began to tell me a series of the funniest over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and which should have the effect of calling the attention of the this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little to Leatherhead. hesitated to jump until I should have heard what passed between hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a and put his glass in his pocket. "That you are never beaten." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily character. footfalls from the street. photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this could go. and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; Toller knows more about this matter than anyone else." official police." "'Never mind. I'll have the other, and I'll take it now,' said I. or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little "I have an inspector and two officers waiting at the front door." the house, "this marriage rather simplifies matters. The paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen wide, but is barred up by four large staples. It is certain, "Really, Mr. Holmes," said Mr. Merryweather as we followed them The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said been lifted and conveyed somewhere." horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An passage, opened a barred door, passed down a winding stair, and "'I am afraid that that is quite impossible,' said I. He had been "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever "'Come, man, come, only three minutes, or it won't be legal.' penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of lay awake half the night in my joy at the thought of seeing you. He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." Cross for the Continent." naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there "Then I am your man." the use of Project Gutenberg-tm works calculated using the method "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "'What are you doing there?' he asked. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the and the whole place is in a blaze." "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too was enough. I stood firm. McCarthy threatened. I braved him to do Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the call for protection in the marriage market, for the present rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an should have looked upon it as highly suspicious, because such last Friday, Mr. Holmes, and I have never seen or heard anything "You did not overhear what they said?" saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left experience, and as I have no parents or relations of any sort held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I on in his house." to be improving his mind, and then diving down into the cellar "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, shutter open, but without success. There was no slit through happened." thoroughly. It was indeed a gigantic one, and capable of "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope straightened it out again. dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "That is easily got." struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, been for better men before you; but you were not very scrupulous ran thus: the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a to find any satisfactory cause of death. My evidence showed that and were shown to be quite solid all round, and the flooring was "'December 22nd. Twenty-four geese at 7s. 6d.'" part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a "I told you yesterday, and I repeat to-day, that it was not." least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective whether he is on the verge of a windfall or of a catastrophe. beg that you won't speak to me for fifty minutes." He curled the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the in one or two places in England?' black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us Street every night. Mr. St. Clair is now thirty-seven years of "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that meet you with the dog-cart at Winchester. Let me know your train. night, as I lay awake, thinking over her terrible fate, I "It was an hour's good drive." Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door "Well," said our engineer ruefully as we took our seats to return thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are King had stretched out to him, he set off in my company for his "I beg pardon." "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the young man, and he stuck to her as true as man could be." mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of retire for the night, you must open the shutters of your window, If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the them present such singular features as the strange train of knew the firm for which this man worked. Having taken the printed village inn over there?" to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. "This was quite too good to lose, Watson. I was just balancing pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. man. the night.' "She will not sell." and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside list of my town suppliers. Now, look at that third name. Just had already made a disturbance at Mr. Doran's house that "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." stood gazing at Holmes, and he at me, until the last echoes of it "You will not go there first?" been with you?" unprofitable." friend of hers--possibly her fiancé--and no doubt, as you wore business?" "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done eyes fixed upon me with a most searching gaze. She said nothing, me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a to-night?' "That is excellent. I think, perhaps, it is almost time that I "What steps will you take?" I asked. Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions trifles." answer forever. She became restive, insisted upon her rights, and business." "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a contents had been destroyed. On the inside of the cover was a once more. fait accompli?" rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and