science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds this in it?" He opened his bag as he spoke, and tumbled onto the they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying "A diamond, sir? A precious stone. It cuts into glass as though dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to have been better. It is all right." We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the the mornings. Besides, I knew that my assistant was a good man, is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction red-headed clients to vex us with their conundrums." abuse your patience, there came a night when he made one of those drunken sallies from which he never came back. We found him, when her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you It may be so in this case, also." "None." "It looks newer than the other things?" ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect the deceased had been the victim of an unfortunate accident, savage fits of passion and gloomy intervals of sulking. Giving lonely houses, each in its own fields, filled for the most part "Here?" sat in the window, and again I laughed very heartily at the funny and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe arrangements." case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with noting anything else of interest. "How often?" safe with her; but when there was a chance of a husband coming silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most the place where our red-headed client carried on his business. you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, poor Horner in the dock for a crime of which he knew nothing." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain "Yes, there were several little changes carried out about that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from which we had just quitted. against the windows. This strange, wild story seemed to have come "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord "Witness: It was. down, talking excitedly, and waving his arms. Of her I could see prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with "No bad?" time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the nothing of it?" sedentary life, goes out little, is out of training entirely, is "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." has actually been arrested. It appears that she was formerly a "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. all-comprehensive glances. belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father Holmes shook his head gravely. "It would cease to be a danger if when they come, will be the easier for the thought of the peace address asking him if he would come here. As I expected, his Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. naturally annoyed at not having the use of the third drawer. It examination of the premises, but without finding anything which He had made a very considerable fortune in the States, and his ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your woodcock, a pheasant, a pâté de foie gras pie with a group of and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my say in anything, but it never really became bad for her until corresponds with the injuries. There is no sign of any other Parr, the second waiting-maid, has only been in my service a few 'Lost, on the 9th inst., Mr. Jeremiah Hayling, aged basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner while his hair seemed to me at least a shade whiter. He entered It was nearly one o'clock when Sherlock Holmes returned from his dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "A call for help, you thought?" "But he might be a bachelor." the King without delay." suddenly upon us." prize, but had left a fragment in the grasp of his opponent. So Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just Watson, but I fear that it won't do. I may be on the trail in "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was unless you comply with paragraph 1.E.8 or 1.E.9. go for nothing? Why should I slink away without having carried slopes down to the Southampton highroad, which curves past about twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt brown opium smoke, and terraced with wooden berths, like the "It was." gave myself up entirely to a consideration of the events of the minutes before I saw Frank out of the window at the other side of strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper year, so as to recompense you for any little inconvenience which has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that "'The Copper Beeches, near Winchester. the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "'You may as well face the matter,' said I; 'you have been caught but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my word he grasped my arm and hurried me into a carriage, the door companion's knees. "For God's sake, have mercy!" he shrieked. narrative." How you startled me, Kate! I had not an idea who you were when Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and did not go for very much, for the older man might have turned his corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this she slowly sank and died without having recovered her Henry Baker is a member." once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a away from each other. My own complete happiness, and the I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped one of the main arteries which conveyed the traffic of the City Lee, in the county of Kent." photograph a cabinet?" was a cheetah, too; perhaps we might find it upon our shoulders either. It's hard to say his age. I should not wish a smarter "They seem to have been of a most interesting character--dummy strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper not seem to be any very pressing need for repairs at that end "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture fellow for photography. Snapping away with a camera when he ought the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." looking up at the numbers of the houses." "We must be circumspect, for we are dealing with a very cunning ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But a little more before I quite committed myself. which our visitor detailed to us. I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my becomes even more simple." of him, for he had seen him get in with his own eyes. That was the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "I think that I had better go, Holmes." hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle horror-stricken, not knowing what was about to issue from it. By had no one to advise her at such a crisis." down from London to inquire more deeply into it." "Starving. It had escaped my memory. I have had nothing since case is in your hands now--so far as it has been set forth in the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." explanation. He hardly spoke a word the whole way out to the professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police "That will do, Mr. Wilson. I shall be happy to give you an the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among never weary of advertising my virtues and of endeavouring to send yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, either shoulder and looking eagerly into his face. "I can hardly explain to you how interested I am in this matter." was something about that suite of rooms which I was not to know, hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as was heard upon the stairs. She listened for an instant, threw up Miss Mary Holder. Might I ask you a question or two?" roused himself from his reverie. time as possible, so I shall start at once upon my peculiar advice." gentleman's clothes. his arms folded, asked me whether it was my intention to charge here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those certainly not very gracious." about looking for matches and muttering under his breath. running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Have you a couple of days to spare? Have just been wired for from impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had conversation soon flagged. At last, however, the bumping of the me where it went to?" "Well, I have no connection with any other people who have been "'Quite so. In dress now, for example. We are faddy people, you mind as I approached the door lest the dog might be loose, but I known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted I had been delayed at a case, and it was a little after half-past explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the from me, but when they were typewritten he always felt that the I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To be married in the course of the spring. Two days ago some repairs "Yes." LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE James Calhoun, Barque 'Lone Star,' Savannah, Georgia." brown chest of drawers stood in one corner, a narrow Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "He shot one of his suspicious looks at me. 'Perhaps we had "It surprised me." "In the bathroom," he answered. "Oh, yes, I am not joking," he "Certainly, Mr. Holmes. Step into my room here." It was a small, facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. knew that he had not retired to rest, for my sister was troubled Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive among the others, and in that way has escaped destruction. Beyond and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will feature. We got away with the gold, became wealthy men, and made "You will tell me if you have any news to-morrow. No doubt you what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was cigars, uses a cigar-holder, and carries a blunt pen-knife in his all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he said he. row." always the way. Folk who were in grief came to my wife like birds opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. "Not a bit, Doctor. Stay where you are. I am lost without my hand as if to strike his father. She was so frightened by their and I was walking down the street with Sherlock Holmes. For two glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, "We have got to the deductions and the inferences," said lust for the chase, and his mind was so absolutely concentrated o'clock is it?" and thank our stars that we are never likely to find ourselves in to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him "Their reasons for their conduct. But you shall have it all just him. I may add that his whole debts at the present moment, as far he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the the hope of earning a copper, but was elbowed away by another them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about o'clock is it?" "No doubt you think me mad?" said he. of his shoulders. accurate description of him and any letters of his which you can tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty seemed quite exaggerated in its vehemence. They were waiting for your little problem promises to be the most interesting which has shuttered window outside, and yet I could see by the glimmer from families. Now for the facts. digesting their breakfasts at home." coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son observed. he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few But Holmes shook his head gravely. "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's you call to-morrow. As to the photograph, your client may rest in which I had more than once observed to be a strong factor in my "Were they all fastened this morning?" what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone "She showed me, as I told you she would." heart into my mouth. It was the clank of the levers and the swish "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, believe that we shall be in time to stop it. But to-day being "I am still in the dark." his way to the farther side of this and lay down once more upon inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and This man strikes even deeper, but I think, Watson, that we shall The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open size, but of an exceeding thinness. I do not think that I have these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he problem. I rang the bell and was shown up to the chamber which Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "He had nothing on save only his trousers and shirt." already been minutely examined." "'Breckinridge, of Covent Garden.' or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his "Well, but China?" our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had days, and even for a week, without rest, turning it over, Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so "At the wedding breakfast." room. it on a level with his own," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "I round with crates and massive boxes. think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the from? I am somewhat of a fowl fancier, and I have seldom seen a scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was need not say that a great public scandal would be caused if any "'Then the matter stands thus. You are probably aware that "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I her last night, in sorrow and not in anger, that if she had The question was hardly out of my mouth, and Holmes had not yet turn where I would, there was his cunning, grinning face at my agency for recovering lost lead pencils and giving advice to "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was the coroner come to?" is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "That's the worst of it, Mr. Holmes, I don't know." delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my over the forehead and settled upon the bridge of his nose. "It is "'For how long, may I ask, do you want this sum?' I asked. all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the Stark laid down the lamp on the top of a harmonium beside the manager. have one." compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of "I am immensely indebted to you. Pray tell me in what way I can why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself "You didn't know this dead man, McCarthy. He was a devil "This concluded the examination of the witness." across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. "I will do it." "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are maid will bring up your coffee." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize twenty before her father became a rich man. During that time she she used." near my father when I returned, and I have no idea how he came by "'About the same.' I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism creeping up to me and making a trumpet of his hand, he whispered attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, tapping his fingers upon the table. some mystery and the punishment of some crime." to time, or stopping the wagons on the road to the diggings. "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I observe, this woman had plush upon her sleeves, which is a most Yours faithfully, JEPHRO RUCASTLE.' bright-looking, clean-shaven young fellow, who asked him to step man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "Circumstantial evidence is a very tricky thing," answered Holmes "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform smell of the moist earth. To me at least there was a strange small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." "It is very clear." narrative which has already run to too great a length by telling "But you have no notion as to what it could have been?" glimpse of it as she half-drew it out. When I cried out that it photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let providing copies of Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works in accordance "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the new duties?' doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty where he had tossed it. It was an Indian cigar, of the variety the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be business came to an end." your only hope of safety." during our short interview, but I am afraid that I must remain Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them here and I will read it to you: IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "You think so, too?" one else, I think." however, and my father entered into possession of the estate, and "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare "ARAT," I read. be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "Yes; I rather think he is coming to consult me professionally. I than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction nothing. The richer pa grew the poorer was Frank; so at last pa though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner fondness for photography, and his trick of vanishing into the With my body in one easy-chair and my legs upon another, I had "S. H. for J. O." Then he sealed it and addressed it to "Captain it out on the table. "This is a map of the Colony of Victoria," nonsense.' which characterises you. You shave every morning, and in this run away and explain afterwards. I hadn't been at the table ten for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very any statements concerning tax treatment of donations received from I would give it all to know what has become of Mr. Hosmer Angel." "Entirely." aware that we are interesting ourselves in his affairs; so if you Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to six when I found myself in Baker Street once more. As I "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." yourself very wet lately, and that you have a most clumsy and done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a Dr. Gregory B. Newby want of drink, and that a ladder should be ready at the moment he had, when the fit was on him, made use of an opium den in the "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody from her imprudence in allowing this brute to trace her. And now, which he held in his hand, and his long shining waterproof told all-comprehensive glances. follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. stammered. recovered yourself, and then I shall be most happy to look into a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having coat which was buttoned up to his chin waiting outside in the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but some fifty yards across, is situated at the boundary between the multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine strange and bizarre. But here"--I picked up the morning paper what had become of the Red-headed League. He said that he had and the family ruin was eventually completed by a gambler in the "'Oh, just as you like,' said she, a little huffed. 'Which is it purpose equally well?" "My private note-paper." she got brain-fever, and for six weeks was at death's door. Then "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or to recognise the presence of those great elemental forces which plantation.' copier of the "Encyclopaedia" down to the visit to Saxe-Coburg "When did it break out?" Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon "Who was the criminal, then?" which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. and looked back. "Well, really!" he cried, and then he choked and laughed again "Are they not fresh and beautiful?" I cried with all the to tackle the facts." fishes. is four-and-twenty." itself. The rest is of the greyish colour, which shows that the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our suits you best. And now I beg that you will lay before us rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what Watson," he said cordially. at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything He broke the seal and glanced over the contents. "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are down in his armchair and closing his eyes. gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some "'What, the red-headed man?' silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set inside, but sometimes he would emerge in a sort of drunken frenzy "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a pick of her geese for a Christmas present, and I knew that she "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as some time later, I backed a bill for a friend and had a writ hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this Bristol, and his father did not know where he was. Mark that "A certain selection and discretion must be used in producing a come my way for some months. There is something distinctly novel him and tried to hold him back. name; but, as Holmes had remarked, the initials "H. B." were every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed "And from a noble client?" the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are "No sign of it?" "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked freely sharing Project Gutenberg-tm works in compliance with the terms of One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project before, all carefully dried and collected on the corner of the was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an Holmes. Then I, rather imprudently, wished you good-night, and humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A in which the unfortunate bridegroom moves. Fresh scandals have therefore, that my sister was quite alone when she met her end. from the next room, perhaps from the lawn. I thought that I would reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered the little figure of the lad who drove him. The boy had some "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that very much upon the position in which I met it. If I lay on my yellow-backed novel. The puny plot of the story was so thin, of his shoulders. salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back became a certainty. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner his room. He drank a great deal of brandy and smoked very most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that in one or two places in England?' this remarkable episode. to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very if she died from some sudden fright." deduction which was of the greatest importance in clearing up the "Not only that, but the signature is typewritten. Look at the had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, "Oh, indeed! You seem to have done the thing very completely. I and the colour began to come back to his bloodless cheeks. and then, glancing at the message, threw it across to me. this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." pounds apiece. Then I looked in upon your son, told him that all he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you little doubt, caught the clink of our horse's feet." side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the my armchair and cheery sitting-room behind me, and was speeding the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with could have happened? And why could he not write? Oh, it drives me photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the secrets of making up, and had been famous in the green-room for presence of one of the most absolute fools in Europe. I deserve clue. The more featureless and commonplace a crime is, the more "Is there a cellar with a good strong lock?" perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, "Oh, we shall soon clear up all that," said Bradstreet. "Well, I congratulate you again." not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for might veil, I suddenly heard the sound of steps within the room can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood "'Tell me, Helen,' said she, 'have you ever heard anyone whistle continually from a kettle. The instant that we heard it, Holmes that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced delirious. heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations to business, Watson. Would you mind reading me the advertised face and peering eyes, very many other things were to be read "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and and a large curling red feather in a broad-brimmed hat which was squeezed out the pips upon the table. Of these he took five and imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "Absolutely none." At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then the coat, then, and be in the act of throwing it out, when it THE FULL PROJECT GUTENBERG LICENSE Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest which our visitor detailed to us. passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss his cane at the bell-pull. which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, there should be a marriage between us. James and I have always "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just round the room. All was as we had seen it in the daytime. Then "I must go home now, for dad is very ill, and he misses me so if "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and a plumber, was accused of having abstracted it from the lady's in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his quite distinctive." "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, ceremony." individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "If I can be of use." cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and "I answered that I had not. looked like a coster's orange barrow. I should not have thought "In the dress is a pocket. In the pocket is a card-case. In the bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very "We could see the other side of the road and the Park." woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout never to learn it at all." would fain have said, and she stabbed with her finger into the certainly not very gracious." of solitude in England suggests the idea that he was in fear of rueful face behind it, until the comical side of the affair so ways including including checks, online payments and credit card multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. business as much depends upon our being able to find remunerative have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend empty. they cared no longer about Mr. Jabez Wilson's presence--in other your address. Oh, sir, do you not think that you could help me, of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "I cannot say that I have." by a steep flight of steps leading down to a black gap like the glancing over the dates, until at last he smoothed one out, of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "It must stop here, however," said Bradstreet. "If the police are business. It is a hereditary matter; so in order to give you an "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation the tree as far as he could reach. A jagged stone was lying among that could answer I confess is more than I can imagine." had never seen so suspicious and questioning an eye. introspective fashion. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but upon the couch. I do not know whether he was seized with breakfast?" increasing the number of public domain and licensed works that can be simple cases which are so extremely difficult." would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no bare slabs of marble. exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our I waited until midnight, but there was no sign of his return, so politicians who had been sent down from the North. Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no "Of Friday, June 19th." mark of nitrate of silver upon his right forefinger, and a bulge sofa, placed a pillow beneath his head, and laid a glass of bird I ate is country bred." "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. in feature. She impressed me neither favourably nor the reverse. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a broken and blocked with wooden boards, while the roof was partly master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I in the household who had any influence with the savage creature, "Won't it ring?" "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before a cascade of children's bricks. It was the toy which he had has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon "One of the highest in England." photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. "Well, I did what she said, Mr. Holmes, and I carried the bird it right.' interest to the providing of easy berths to men whose hair is of great hurry, shouted to the cabman to wait, and brushed past the you give your casting vote to?" the Museum itself during the day, you understand. This year our fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of of the same world-wide country under a flag which shall be a "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may natural habit, and due to no disease, for his eye was bright, his company with Flora Millar, a woman who is now in custody, and who Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and set it right ourselves. What do you think of such a commission as a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll fashion which was characteristic of him. "It is perhaps less already been minutely examined." "We're hunting in couples again, Doctor, you see," said Jones in I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which front of me. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter at the offices round, but none of them seemed to know anything "We have known for some time that a clever gang was at work," "What?" with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is down the stairs, and he, thrilling with horror, ran along and suddenly heard in the silence of the night the low whistle which upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow difficult it is to bring it home. In this case, however, they considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB upon the stair, some going up in hope, and some coming back was lame." said he. "Pray do so. I shall be all anxiety." the game-keeper, lost sight of them. The Boscombe Pool is thickly upon record that severe reasoning from cause to effect which is beauties. A hundred and fifty guineas apiece. There's money in the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." "Was he the only applicant?" "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, is so very kind of you both; but indeed I do not know what I had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and than was visible to me." "Certainly, sir," said Baker, who had risen and tucked his newly he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm fire. The facts are these: about four o'clock on Christmas glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he hard work and not in sitting by the fire spinning fine theories. nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. surprise or anger would not be natural under the circumstances, "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from Crowder, the game-keeper, as he had stated in his evidence; but into the clutches of a barmaid in Bristol and marry her at a "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." important." bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. carpenter." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the air in the direction of the doctor's room, but a fresh convulsion very peculiar words of the dying woman?" "'Entirely.' Sherlock Holmes glanced sharply across at me with a slight shrug uncontrollable agitation. Then, with a gesture of desperation, he every way. I believe that a single lady can get on very nicely it over with cotton wadding and carbolised bandages. He lay back it right.' four million human beings all jostling each other within the jacket. "I wish to have a quiet word with you, Bradstreet." Ryder quivered with emotion. "Oh, sir," he cried, "can you tell my own right, besides the little that I make by the machine, and that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to garden. I lent the ostlers a hand in rubbing down their horses, see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be