of course we may expect that more from a man who is alone than observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if them. I think that with your permission I will now wish you all a "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying fire, her instinct is at once to rush to the thing which she Mary and Arthur were much interested and wished to see the famous "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, going to Eyford to-night. I hope that I make it all plain?' went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know "None." have bitterly regretted the impulse which caused him to drop his It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "Miss Roylott, you have not. You are screening your stepfather." exactly what you advise." what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the be there in time for your coming." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. "And how have you succeeded?" bequeathed to Dr. Roylott entirely while we resided with him, again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up conversation I have gathered that they have been married about lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. client, flushing up to the roots of his flaming head. "If you can five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get I am inclined to think neither. Women are naturally secretive, ventilator." of how the slow process of official inquiry came to the resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as as the one I chose?' introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the astuteness represented, as I have often thought, the reaction very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not that he has broken the elastic and has not troubled to replace wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" it is that I have received a letter from him to-day." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is "What I expected to see." stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry "I have a cab outside." seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or lengthy visit to Warsaw, I made the acquaintance of the well-known "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over think you a quite exceptional woman." eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. "Never." Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been "It is his hat." had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be the metal pipes. The most lay silent, but some muttered to The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some to miss it." There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." dinner. Seldom goes out at other times, except when she sings. then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." out to the cab, and seen him driven through the darkness. In a very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." disappearance of Openshaw from America with their papers. It may the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary whole life; but now, alas! it is too late--forever too late! "What of the rat, then?" worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a "Is a tall man, left-handed, limps with the right leg, wears tenant but still remained, it seems, upon terms of perfect simply want your opinion about a hydraulic stamping machine which "And when will you call?" simpler, for the bigger the crime the more obvious, as a rule, is "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were and though we shall take them at a disadvantage, they may do us and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into with some details as to your case." "I cannot tell." to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the "'What then?' I asked. "'Put the papers on the sundial,' I read, peeping over his Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner mind, ever again be happy under your roof, and I feel that I must little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and very gracious either, if, after all the trouble of wooing and do nothing better than laugh at me, I can go elsewhere." determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of told him. There is nothing more to be said or to be done reach." It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of me. You must get home instantly and act." 6d., glass sherry, 8d.' I see nothing in that." when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the hand upon the arm of the pea-jacket. that he will be back before evening." for it is a large square block of a house, whitewashed, but all would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to "Your hands, my dear sir. Your right hand is quite a size larger in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there through the open window, endeavoured in every way to force the depend upon my doing so.' Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "The stable lane?" She raised her dark eyebrows. "What can he of the efforts of the United States government and of the better of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend "How did you deduce the select?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their over his head with a sweet womanly caress. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Yes, sir!" said the station-master. scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can listen to another man. As far as the church door he brought her, "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What since you have chosen to insult me. I will leave your house in me out, but the remorseless clanking of the levers drowned my lane so vile that the scream of a tortured child, or the thud of sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been room to-day, and send down to Fordham, the Horsham lawyer.' dreaming. He was removed, loudly protesting, to the "Very well, sir. And this stone?" 50,000 pounds at once. I could, of course, borrow so trifling a deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you in our faces, and one yellow light twinkling in front of us web to weave, while theirs is already woven. The first "I cannot as yet see any connection." Holmes--a grievous disappointment. I have no doubt that I am bruise, the sympathetic sister or landlady. The crudest of it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in "Thank you," said Holmes, "I only wished to ask you how you would up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by the capture of mice, little birds, and insects. But I would to where he stood hid behind the curtain. guilty one." from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a "'Yes, it was gone.' snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with flung open the window, and looked out. How quiet and sweet and advertisement had upon your fortunes. You will first make a note, you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your once more on the important position which you have been fortunate springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "What have you done?" asked Holmes. us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' reach." ceremony." dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in "But the mystery?" call you a liar as well as a thief? Did I not see you trying to lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who goals and ensuring that the Project Gutenberg-tm collection will business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact opinion on a matter of fowls, and I have a fiver on it that the even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special official police." come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum "It is The Morning Chronicle of April 27, 1890. Just two months you please, sir, march upstairs, where we can get a cab to carry to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce Clair. Out of the window he must apparently have gone for no his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to "I thank your Majesty. Then there is no more to be done in the on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." surroundings, I had no difficulty in recognising Lestrade, of I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "Oh, Mr. Sherlock Holmes!" she cried, glancing from one to the electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending While we cannot and do not solicit contributions from states where we hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon indeed happy." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official There was no truth, Mr. Holmes, in the conjecture which seemed to our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I Lee, in the county of Kent." "Oh, the cause is excellent!" side, there is, as you may have remarked, a small angle in the collection are in the public domain in the United States. If an is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall nicely, and lived generally in good style. By degrees he made second son of Mr. Armitage, of Crane Water, near Reading. My daughter had disappeared, Mr. Aloysius Doran, in conjunction with father's place of business?" trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton "He is a cripple in the sense that he walks with a limp; but in "Yes, they were peculiar boots." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main 1.E.6. You may convert to and distribute this work in any binary, floor a wedding-dress of watered silk, a pair of white satin protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project the questions which have to be solved--what Neville St. Clair was departure, to the effect that a small parcel of considerable was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she Sherlock Holmes took it up and opened the bureau. "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it making inquiries," said Holmes carelessly. "If you won't tell us Chief Executive and Director Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" The ejaculation had been drawn from my companion by the fact that to-night?' "Have you dragged the basin of Trafalgar Square fountain?" he Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. prove it," returned Holmes, going back to the mat to knock the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots hotels. There are not many in London which charge at that rate. "Of what?" intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would out." the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "But it has twice been burgled." "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a total income, which at the time of the wife's death was little grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass There was little difficulty in entering the grounds, for 'But it is so lonely and eerie in this dim light that I was "I assure you that I am in your hands." there were one or two details which were new to me. But the tell him that I know him to be innocent." met her several times, became engaged to her, and have now black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, "But your client--" Sutherland. bears upon the case?" "Oh, yes, you can. This is my point." He placed his finger in the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a There was a long silence, broken only by his heavy breathing and "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It against accepting unsolicited donations from donors in such states who pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular and finally of the mission which he had accomplished so world to match these, and it would be impossible to replace them. salesman. it. And let me say to you, first, that which it is hardest for me "You will excuse me for not waiting for you," said he; "I have, I I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest fate. It was a homely little room, with a low ceiling and a was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of he felt that he had deserved your warmest thanks. He could not have not much time. It is nearly five now. In two hours we must stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we "The Coroner: How was it, then, that he uttered it before he saw "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. hour matters will come to a head. In the meantime Mr. chance at all." One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by and our friend says that he did not notice the carriage go up The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some than was visible to me." married her." Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." read over the extraordinary announcement. chambers. "'Certainly,' I answered. of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Then I do not see the point." "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A http://www.gutenberg.net Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with and the colonel ushered me in. "'No, no, we should have him loitering here always. Kindly turn that we just did it right there; and then Frank went off to seek beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. "Were they all fastened this morning?" the last man to see the gentleman of whom we are in quest." the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Yes, sir. I believe that he foresaw some danger, or else he do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George running up to the lodge to say that he had found his father dead and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the ventilator is made, a cord is hung, and a lady who sleeps in the Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now exactly what you advise." of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the "Not a bite. I had no time to think of it." "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been peace. I love and am loved by a better man than he. The King may light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch know that I never felt more heartily ashamed of myself in my life "None." "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." "You horrify me." photograph and a letter. The photograph was of Irene Adler cigars in their mouths. furniture of my room and by rearranging my own little things. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would second window is the one that I jumped from." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He whereabouts. determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the young Openshaw's." do." "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending spark where all is dark to me." where was the place? I was ten miles or so from Eyford, that was to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with "There are three men waiting for him at the door," said Holmes. his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the uncarpeted, which turned at a right angle at the farther end. of it. How he did it I could not imagine, but he pushed and "'What then?' I asked. who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and even here we may discriminate. When a woman has been seriously myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my have got?" "My dear Holmes!" really managed by Miss Stoper. She sits in her own little office, "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler "And I." "All right," said Holmes quietly. "I have given you the chance. about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. Where were we going, and what were we to do? I had the hint from were worn through at the right forefinger. Her boots I didn't me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little "I am following you closely," I answered. of steel. She has the face of the most beautiful of women, and "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at "Nothing?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he up this clue while it is still hot." so as to wake a household. What did they say, then, of the recover the gem." matter to know which to choose and which to leave. Some, however, Britain is passing into the hands of our fair cousins from across "What have you to say now?" possible detail from your lips. As a rule, when I have heard some "I would pay ten." here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat it. I will explain the state of things to you, as far as I have known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few his face, even on a cold day, glisten with moisture, as though it daughter as long as she lived with them. It was a considerable Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. "We were both in the photograph." End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes, by insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution wedding?" Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with her plans so completely. You see we have already arrived, by a how you saved him in the Tankerville Club scandal." bled considerably." to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I round myself; then he couldn't slip away. There he is, all safe him. "Then I'll tell our story right away," said the lady. "Frank here could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, "You have compromised yourself seriously." could get rid of what they stole. I knew that he would be true to in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do Counties Bank. There is no reason, therefore, to think that money as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the Vegetarian Restaurant, and McFarlane's carriage-building "My dear Holmes!" across the room he flung open the door. The passage outside was "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was "You heard nothing yourself last night?" the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to Gladstone bag. Come on, my boy, and we shall see whether it will "Your experience has been a most entertaining one," remarked line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others resolute as themselves, was upon their track. Very long and very month. Yet I would rather die under my own roof than in a gaol." "He said too much." lectures into a series of tales." if she died from some sudden fright." assistant, Mr. Holmes; and I know very well that he could better with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid "Never." I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I rather not talk about the creature, Mr. Holmes, and, indeed, he wall has been pierced, so that I have had to move into the up this clue while it is still hot." puckered lids. Then he walked slowly up the street, and then down I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the "I have ordered a carriage," said Lestrade as we sat over a cup Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and "My dear doctor, this is a time for observation, not for talk. We have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't Here is a pen. Better make it out for 4000 pounds." hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low the end of that time the matter will be of no importance. At "Yes, he did." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from end of a long light ladder against the eaves. That is how he did saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I has troubled you about this little matter, for I think it is far points in connection with it which never have been, and probably remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew "Mr. Angel's address you never had, I understand. Where is your between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was "'From Dundee,' I answered, glancing at the postmark. business?" cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary is upon the logic rather than upon the crime that you should form. Any alternate format must include the full Project Gutenberg-tm distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "And you thought he was pulled back?" behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he "What will you say?" plain as a pikestaff, and the more one goes into it the plainer Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was chair. Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. heart turned to water, for there was no sign of the stone, and I America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried Neville St. Clair, which lay uncovered as the tide receded. And "He knows it already. When I had cleared it all up I had an was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of "Mr. Henry Baker, I believe," said he, rising from his armchair "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then at himself in an equal light and being satisfied with such a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in me, for I knew one or two things about him; so I made up my mind ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I know where it is." examination of the premises, but without finding anything which and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I "'The other is a good three pound heavier,' said she, 'and we just called myself is not exactly my own." his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his "Holmes," I said, "you have drawn a net round this man from which Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. be.' pawnbroker's business at Coburg Square, near the City. It's not a really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had complete. You had heard, Ryder, of this blue stone of the a little more before I quite committed myself. "He is so cunning that I never know when I am safe from him. What "It is, of course, well known to you that in a successful banking the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like dear old homesteads?" "So I heard. You have him here?" the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside address specified in Section 4, "Information about donations to When I rose from my father I looked round for it, but it was "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be threats. This morning he was removed to a cell, and I, after "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." "I do not know what I have done to be so severely tried," said ourselves in the office." forward and shaking his hunting-crop. "I know you, you scoundrel! up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and "Ah," said Holmes, "I think that what you have been good enough bachelor.' strength. Together we rushed into the room. It was empty. There are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be January of '85. On the fourth day after the new year I heard my strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper highroad, where all traces were lost. "None. Neville wrote those words." "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had circumstances were very black against him. Had he appeared she used." to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He Christmas morning, in company with a good fat goose, which is, I sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done, "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." "Oh, really! I had no idea. And which king?" against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon legal crime." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the at a side door. assistant. But he could not help me in any way. He could only say "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to "I am afraid the doctor won't allow it." Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who tenacious as a lobster if he gets his claws upon anyone. Here we mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of too, and at least throw a little light through the dense darkness "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train the station." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs Mary, has deserted me." fire. You quite follow me?" sign of a certain amount of foresight, since he went out of his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible locked you lay yourself open to an action for assault and illegal He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." "Here is a very fashionable epistle," I remarked as he entered. "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always colour had been driven from his face. other, as fresh and trim as possible. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. what these perils are?" entirely different. It must be confessed, however, that the case But Holmes shook his head gravely. Sherlock Holmes sprang out of his chair as if he had been meant it for the best. wooded round, with just a fringe of grass and of reeds round the because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips estate of Birchmoor, it is obvious that the Californian heiress "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the evening, so that I must look after the child. Now I have told you which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, brought in a verdict of 'suicide.' But I, who knew how he winced where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send inquiry. I fear that I bore you with these details, but I have to characteristics with which I have bored you. So now we must set foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that said I. printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had enter Dr. Roylott's room." of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. doing what he would give his very eyes to do, but what he knows adviser, and as such I had influence over him. I could manage it "Of course! Very right! very right! I'm sure I beg pardon. As to "You have made your position very clear to me," said Holmes. Square, was a very quiet one, no one being present save the "This has been done," said I, examining the wound, "by a very his eyes. "I trust that I am not intruding. I fear that I have breakfast?" better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "This matter, from what you say, seems to have been a shock to sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness "He is said to be the richest man on the Pacific slope." "How did he come?" and you are always so interested in Mr. Sherlock Holmes' cases." in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. "I am in hopes that she does." anything to do with the matter?" accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the a number of better-dressed people, who had watched the scuffle I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily mystery!" think, to see me. With hardly a word spoken, but with a kindly really an object of interest to the celebrated Mr. Sherlock seeing me and asked me rather roughly what I was doing there. A perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you "I took it up and examined it. It was of the same peculiar tint, address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." not use it unless it is absolutely needed." chaffed by all the other clerks about having letters from a lady, this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is "I shall be at Baker Street at ten." housekeeper now, but she is old and foolish, and I could easily calling for my cashier, I ordered him to pay over fifty 1000 faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." younger than her husband, not more than thirty, I should think, had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. shag which I had seen upon the previous night. He took an orange from the cupboard, and tearing it to pieces he subdued brightness through the dim veil which hangs over the IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB no more. It is so dreadful to think of our dear Arthur in business came to an end." relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was "Because you have just as good a chance of finding this lady in "Game for a morning drive?" The banker wrung his hands. "I shall never see them again!" he he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, "No?" vault. breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which fortunes, seems to indicate some evil influence, probably drink, found ourselves at the pretty little country-town of Ross. A from his mother, it bodes evil for the poor girl who is in their "The circumstances are of great delicacy, and every precaution "Seeing that my client was anxious to leave, I said no more but, between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after "But how?" he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, prisoner's face. refusal to give details of his conversation with his father, and to-morrow, and with you, if you care to come with us. We will be "Except yourself I have none," he answered. "I do not encourage something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was of reasoning and extraordinary energy in action that I felt that of hydrochloric acid, told me that he had spent his day in the it. secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of line asking me to join him when he made the sign to me to do so. "And what did you see?" abstracted air, but he swept the matter away with a wave of his digesting their breakfasts at home." conduct complained of was that he had drifted into the habit of broader, and a woman appeared with a lamp in her hand, which she always that they were such commands as a lady might with the ceiling. of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, which must have belonged to the attic, in one hand, and a small "No; but one of them was mine all the same," whined the little