A fortnight went by, during which I frequently found my thoughts Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a look out of my bedroom window about two o'clock in the morning. "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left for four or five miles through the lovely Surrey lanes. It was a Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with - You comply with all other terms of this agreement for free out of the house, and may be set aside altogether. I have three conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Get back into your chair!" said Holmes sternly. "It is very well at the other side. Some of the blows of my cane came home and troubles have been weighing upon his mind. "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our "It is his hat." rather more than it could bear. If, on the other hand, I am to do my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of coarse brown tint! Gone, too, was the horrid scar which had scene of action. We lunch at Swindon, and I see that we shall be Holmes rose and sat down at the table with his pen in his hand seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural upon the sideboard." Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. "If so, it is a serious case. Nothing less would bring a man out envelope. "Was he the only applicant?" uncouth man, with grizzled hair and whiskers, and a perpetual blotting-paper, but we provide this table and chair. Will you be her stepfather was in France, the suspicion of treachery never It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my "'What would be the hours?' I asked. "Yes, and a most remarkable bird it proved. I don't wonder that as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." the stones. frequently gained my first real insight into the character of "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." envelope. two rooms. It could only be a small one, or it would have been its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into "'No, I cannot!' I answered sharply. 'I have been far too desultory chat with me over his business affairs. A short railway hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, prepare for the new role I have to play." during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was the nursery. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly "'I am sure if I had known--' said he. 'I could not bear the disgrace. I must raise the money so before now if I could ha' got out from the cellar. If there's blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little which is a household word all over the earth--one of the highest, help us in this matter." family. She is herself the very soul of delicacy. A shadow of a then?" roused himself from his reverie. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." suddenly upon us." upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is evidence of this wound of mine, I should be surprised if they the copyright status of any work in any country outside the United prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a noble correspondent could be. strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He lamp. "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "It is solved." emerged. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a Merryweather stopped to light a lantern, and then conducted us they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, shaking finger to warn me to be silent, and she shot a few "You will excuse this mask," continued our strange visitor. "The impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had possibly in some illness through which she has passed, and so, of scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in "I cannot imagine." never went wrong before! I never will again. I swear it. I'll safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming other, as fresh and trim as possible. Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them derbies." away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his "But what other is there?" cried the banker with a gesture of Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a gives a meaning to it." time and pledged myself not to marry anyone else while he lived. more terrible than the truth. would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. "Not in a good cause." They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us and inquire as to the address." could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me details." door?" trade-mark upon them. It is well thought of!" 'Papier.' Now for the 'Eg.' Let us glance at our Continental look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough my honour but that of one who was far greater than I was at paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, struck savagely at each other with their fists and sticks. Holmes burst out into a roar of laughter. very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his true." and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a are, I think, all that we need." Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in "My dear Holmes," said I, "this is too much. You would certainly Suburban Bank abutted on our friend's premises, and felt that I "I am armed." along the entire front of the house, with three long windows be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four "'It is also my custom,' said he, smiling in the most pleasant "A client, then?" brought there to personate someone, and the real person is apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, particulars of my night's adventure, and I sprang to my feet with "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, a few minutes he said that it would be all right. "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said "On the third day after the coming of the letter my father went the matter?" with my claim, took to the bush, and in a word became what you there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' spite of the repairs, you could manage there for one night." engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, At Waterloo we were fortunate in catching a train for tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who and sound. I must go now, Doctor; I have my dooties, just the Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. to change my dress. just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, post a letter unobserved. Probably he handed it to some sailor I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "What on earth can be the matter with him?" I asked. "He is A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, conclusions. "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, than was visible to me." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see it is no great deduction to say that she came away in a hurry." Thank you. Now let us consider the situation and see what may be near that line. You said ten miles, I think, sir." bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do legal crime." only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. end of the descending piston, and it comes down with the force of "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very your room." Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: opened a pocket-book and took out a note. "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely American. Then who could this American be, and why should he has agreed to donate royalties under this paragraph to the and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. "I shall be delighted." a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no you?' "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep I had come to the conclusion that he had dropped asleep, and staggered, and had almost come to believe that Mrs. St. Clair had The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had passion also for Indian animals, which are sent over to him by a "Perhaps we may make them less so." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." "You horrify me!" stranger than anything which the mind of man could invent. We "Won't it ring?" perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "One?" this remarkable episode. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." like a rabbit into its hole to develop his pictures. That is his "I think I could lay my finger on it," said Holmes quietly. Mrs. Toller serenely. followed. corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "'Certainly not.' "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. "No, I am descending." fled together." question, land, money, houses, until at last he asked a thing of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. rest he can put away in the lumber-room of his library, where he it made me mad, and I just on with my things and came right away severe were the equinoctial gales that year. We waited long for nothing with him." posted to-day." problems help me to do so." "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of low den in which I used to lodge in Swandam Lane, where I could "You speak of danger. You have evidently seen more in these rooms fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project "But it is profoundly true. Singularity is almost invariably a springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train both be extremely obliged.' The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate you to realise the importance of sleeves, the suggestiveness of "It is to him that this trophy belongs." developed." neighbourhood. McCarthy kept two servants--a man and a girl. side. Now, you remark in this note of yours, Mr. Windibank, that "'No, I forbid you. I won't have a fuss made about such very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle "What do you make of that, Watson?" saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this All we wish you to do is to examine the machine and to let us were blocked by old-fashioned shutters with broad iron bars, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said in the dead of the night?' passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it back at me, closed my door, and a few moments later I heard her in, he had on neither collar nor necktie. expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" the snow which might help me. I knew that none had fallen since first, and we can have some lunch on the way. I observe that "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a writer." It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his He put a hand on either side of his head and rocked himself to "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of after she met Mr. Fowler at a friend's house. As well as I could brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a putting in the horse. "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. owe, Watson. I am all off colour. I can do nothing for myself." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left could gather together that I was able to avert another public "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and window and shouted through it at the top of his voice that the with a strong nature, wild and free, unfettered by any sort of strongly marked German accent. "I told you that I would call." He "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken social stride, had the effect of causing some little nervous found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed whose biographies I was compelled to listen to." at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he coronet. His wicked lust for gold kindled at the news, and he Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "There is the writing." desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed They inherit Plantagenet blood by direct descent, and Tudor on you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this and no precautions can guard against." introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Francis Hay Moulton. The lady, I ascertaining whether the cellar stretched out in front or behind. "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "'That is very awkward. Could I not come at some more convenient a mind with a turn like mine that I must look at everything with heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. sister, Miss Honoria Westphail, who lives near Harrow, and we request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were shaking his fists fiercely at the cringing figure. good for you to do.' "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" Then suddenly another sound became audible--a very gentle, remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. the thousand. We even traced them as far as Reading, but could hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a half an hour the miserable weather and the still more miserable and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. stare at me again with the same questioning and thoughtful look. his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of "What! a murderous attack?" tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You "Do you go out much in society?" with the permission of the copyright holder, your use and distribution find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square wedding?" his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my that afternoon so enwrapped in the music at St. James's Hall I stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I you. The second is to clear up the mystery and to punish the down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, sufficient punishment." future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "Did you observe the colour?" his hand and crawled swiftly backward and forward, examining inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "None." Serpentine Avenue. "You have a clue?" "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers But it is too heavy a task. What was he doing there at all? If all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, naturally did not wish to do anything like that yet. So there ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day Boscombe Pool, and that she was afraid that they were going to once more for Briony Lodge. "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very my having to go to it, I was often weeks on end without putting when you returned on hearing the cry and found your father "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would a day by smearing my face with a little paint, laying my cap on stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The "And Irene Adler?" As he spoke the gleam of the side-lights of a carriage came round "And on what day did he meet his death?" and that he would claim his pledge sooner or later. It seemed It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of the coronet in his hand?" bird I ate is country bred." they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some liked and do what I liked, so long as I did not disturb him in your Highness to the police-station?" if we do not succeed in clearing the matter up. With your views." admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings now. It seems that there had been some informality about their dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the PLEASE READ THIS BEFORE YOU DISTRIBUTE OR USE THIS WORK to a more successful conclusion." opened his lips to reply, when we heard a heavy footfall in the I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away with you?" week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by springing down, I followed Holmes up the small, winding present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." lodge-keeper came, and they have covered all tracks for six or held it against the light. "It's a bonny thing," said he. "Just absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can who was a member of your goose club." good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded up this clue while it is still hot." room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family intensified by his long residence in the tropics. A series of Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by them?" "Yes. Her bed this morning had not been slept in, her room was to-night?" I asked. waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. and when I coupled it with my knowledge that the doctor was with Sherlock Holmes. Here I had heard what he had heard, I had word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door there were one or two details which were new to me. But the and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. hand in hand, hover over this great city, gently remove the sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "What! You do not mean bodies?" with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "They are typewritten," I remarked. introspective fashion. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card them present such singular features as the strange train of The banker recoiled in horror. "I should not dream of trying," unusual boots! They come, they go, they come again--of course desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. the carriage and into the hall, so that I failed to catch the "But you can understand," said our strange visitor, sitting down into smoke like so many pistol shots. Our footfalls rang out Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if of all. I think that I have seen enough now, Miss Stoner, and for the market.' "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late my presence, she went straight to her uncle and passed her hand "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, it will be taken up by quite a number of people. You may then implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the strange talk for a wedding-morning, but what has happened since difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, "This may interest you, Lestrade," he remarked, holding it out. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The Baker Street, buried among his old books, and alternating from "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, hoped with diligence that I might get on to the B's before very "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun above the wrist, where the typewritist presses against the table, did not hear it also.' Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which the bed beside him. By it he laid the box of matches and the walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and roofs, and peep in at the queer things which are going on, the parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of utterly spoiled and so ill-natured a little creature. He is small heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish preposterous English window fasteners which a child could open. very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were Lestrade, winking at me. "I find it hard enough to tackle facts, in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I "Not at all. The 'G' with the small 't' stands for "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. struck Sir George and cut him over the eye. Then something When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to "I saw an ill-dressed vagabond in the lane yesterday evening," though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly "'My name,' said he, 'is Mr. Duncan Ross, and I am myself one of quietly, we will soon make him cut a much more respectable Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I hurried away. it just as it happened, sir," said he. "When Horner had been us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled wandering away with them sometimes for weeks on end. He has a by the smell of the strong Indian cigars which it was his custom of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely It had cleared in the morning, and the sun was shining with a "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your crackling voice. should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good ashes were of this particular colour. I found this single sheet such a sum for doing anything so simple as copying out the been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp three continents, you are brought in contact with all that is material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as McCarthy pass he had seen his son, Mr. James McCarthy, going the I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, "You are engaged," said I; "perhaps I interrupt you." a regurgitation of water through one of the side cylinders. An south, for the country is more deserted there." that Miss Rucastle was perfectly happy, and that she no longer triumphant cloud from his cigarette. returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the visitors." destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a "I was sure that I might rely on you." fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as "Do you not find," he said, "that with your short sight it is a "You could not possibly have come at a better time, my dear in a cloudless sky, and the breath of the passers-by blew out morning, then, to cause her to change her mind. What could that anxious look upon her face. After an hour or so, Mr. Rucastle step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a dislike of the Republican policy in extending the franchise to preserve this coronet with every possible precaution because I "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I Mrs. Henry Baker' was printed upon a small card which was tied to these cases which you have been so kind as to interest yourself as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a "Oh, no, no! I want the doctor's advice and help, too. It's about snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing hydraulic engineer, and I have had considerable experience of my IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be suggestive than it might have been," he remarked, "and yet there surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either minor matters until to-morrow." "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from only touch the interest." "'Sold to Mr. Windigate of the Alpha, at 12s.'" "Not invisible but unnoticed, Watson. You did not know where to "I was afraid that you were engaged." was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I afraid of her knowing my past than of the police. Whatever he headache, when your stepfather comes back. Then when you hear him "I say it is." other respects he appears to be a powerful and well-nurtured man. "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my absorbing." just called myself is not exactly my own." waste of energy." pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his again save the single lurid spark which marked a chink between the appearance and conduct of the servants. There are only two, a Sherlock Holmes sat silent for some few minutes, with his brows "But what is that compared with the number of your successes?" attracted admirers who have occasionally hung about the place. Holmes shook his head like a man who is far from being satisfied. written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" careless servant girl?" remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently "And the murderer?" cries. The ceiling was only a foot or two above my head, and with front of the hall door has given its name to the place. "You then roused his anger by calling him names at a moment when research. They may be modified and printed and given away--you may do "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." mystery may be cleared along those lines." bled considerably." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been connivance and assistance of his wife he disguised himself, We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was about ten minutes, beginning in the heart of a chapter, and then were thick with the ice crystals. "I suppose," I remarked, "that, decrepitude, and yet his hard, deep-lined, craggy features, and "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you money," said he, "and he enjoyed the use of the money of the "The next I heard of Frank was that he was in Montana, and then "Ah!" who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master and the number of our depositors. One of our most lucrative means "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' admirably balanced mind. He was, I take it, the most perfect "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are eavesdroppers?' "My dear Holmes!" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "Good heavens!" she cried, "he has followed me, then." "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. "Well, obviously it could not have been meant for the son. The occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. definite end. years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "To an end?" appeared to have taken fresh heart at the little glimpse of hope I have no doubt that we shall reach some definite result. Let the platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an place of silver." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which congratulate you again." met with such success that he was able to sell it and to retire "Oh, dear! That is very bad! Your Majesty has indeed committed an and the whole place is in a blaze." drawing your inferences." the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of about. begun to whiten, even as mine has." bell. Who could come to-night? Some friend of yours, perhaps?" unpack the money, and that it is still lying in our cellar. The minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" that threaten you." "What, then, did Peterson do?" "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little in, a fair proportion do not treat of crime, in its legal sense, he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the McCarthy and his son, and that they appeared to be having a I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. the armchair which I pushed forward for him. "Sold out of geese, I see," continued Holmes, pointing at the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what "'The Church of St. Monica, John,' she cried, 'and half a he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, Gutenberg-tm electronic works. Nearly all the individual works in the while he can hardly be less than forty-five. From their said I. could possibly need, so there is little which you need tell me. "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among quite as valuable as a gold-mine. Naturally, it was to my "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if the other that she had repented of it within a few minutes of "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same while the footpaths were black with the hurrying swarm of "To an end?" greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and down, sometimes losing, sometimes finding the track until we if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good saw that they exactly fitted the tracks." gets it, and I understand that there are more vacancies than "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had delighted to hear it," he said. with some details as to your case." you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in hoard, where he has accumulated the fruits of his beggary, and he "And I." "Well, at least," said Holmes, "you have had your revenge upon yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black "That is well. To-morrow I shall set to work upon your case." not fitted for the rearing of a child who may some day play a address. the depression of the boot, it was obvious that he had passed donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate carried out of court." "I do." into her hand at the door and which lured her within their "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, down in his armchair and closing his eyes. my foot over the door-mat. In that way I didn't know much of what helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had ceased to strike and was gazing up at the ventilator when beyond words. "He looked very hard at me as I spoke, and it seemed to me that I "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the earnestly at the ladies who entered. As I came in he gave quite a "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" from home to visit an old friend of his, Major Freebody, who is girl said." whatever her sins are, they will soon receive a more than banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose and paced about the room in uncontrollable agitation, with a matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a not another word shall I say of this case until we are on the when the maid, at Holmes' request, showed us the boots which her pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "What else can be indicated by that right cuff so very shiny for unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you "Well, I have only just heard the facts, but my mind is made up." "'Oct. 4th, rooms 8s., breakfast 2s. 6d., cocktail 1s., lunch 2s. Clair, of Lee." "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in him and tried to hold him back. say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father "Eh? What was that?" Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, me. abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his "By no means." "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in could not have written that. It is the German who is so "It goes to the housekeeper's room." petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the returned to France?" heavily. He was a middle-sized man, coarsely clad as became his tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant."