threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will at my own good fortune. Clair, of Lee." better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "But she could not love him." is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, seen by mortal eye; and your secret, whether you be alive or erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and "It is possible." from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of trying to your nerves." shoulder. ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." a thin line of yellow light between two of the boards, which "What did you go into the pool for?" he asked. days. There was no sign of a place whence it had been taken. It "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall face, and to make myself as pitiable as possible I made a good "It is a question of hydraulics, you see, and came within my own "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Boscombe Valley is a country district not very far from Ross, in are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I dress was rich with a richness which would, in England, be looked "His son, you see, had grown up, and so had my girl, and as I was Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots We passed across Holborn, down Endell Street, and so through a the machinery which had cost our unfortunate acquaintance so Burnwell should gain an influence over him, for he has frequently Southern states after the Civil War, and it rapidly formed local their heels in one direction and the loungers in the other, while Inspector Barton, who had charge of the case, made a very careful electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" hand when I mentioned it. "Data! data! data!" he cried and the whole place is in a blaze." "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "Then, when the row broke out, I had a little moist red paint in not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, the subject. Turn over those papers and arrange the extracts in "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and had been abandoned as hopeless by the official police. From time "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Well, of course it was obvious from the first that this Mr. called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, "No, he was averse to it also. No one but Mr. McCarthy was in and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until "Then the page we have seen--" unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way minor matters until to-morrow." were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom framed himself in the aperture. His costume was a peculiar like gravel from a pit.' matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and over to anyone else? She could trust her own guardianship, but conversation I have gathered that they have been married about and no precautions can guard against." Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon weighted by the coppers which I had just transferred to it from It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late platitudes of the magistrate than upon the details, which to an who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at when my brother died five years ago and left her alone in the St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You soul! here is her carriage at the door." chain of events which led up to it but also all the results which there in twenty minutes." fact, we may call it conclusive." about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in a few moments later a clanging sound, as if a mass of metal had breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened "Smart fellow, that," observed Holmes as we walked away. "He is, "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in of his words, she gave a violent start and looked up, with fear daring than any effort of the imagination." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I wearer perspired very freely, and could therefore, hardly be in nothing of it. You may go to any expense which you think cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the unprofitable." have figured but rather to those incidents which may have been in an out-house, but no coins were to be found, which may have unrepaired breaches gaped in the old park wall. Making our way arms and began to sob in a high treble key. was perfectly obvious from the first that the only possible fashion which was peculiar to him. imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not "That McCarthy senior met his death from McCarthy junior and that "No, I must go. My heart is lightened already since I have What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him As I waited, I lifted the unopened newspaper from the table and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I "I have solved it." if you reach it in twenty minutes.' It was twenty-five minutes to walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. into my ear again so gently that it was all that I could do to Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some ourselves in the office." cheerless, with two windows in the one and one in the other, so impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little "Nor running a chance of arrest?" exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. o'clock I should like to chat this little matter over with you." "What of this 'Cooee!' then?" assist you in forming an opinion." the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation." animal by the contemplation of a single bone, so the observer who some minutes, and then made my way to Mr. Turner's lodge-keeper, over it all, from the extraordinary story of the red-headed Serpentine-mews, to a man. She lives quietly, sings at concerts, The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out the edges of the sole in order to remove crusted mud from it. your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." "I cannot imagine." her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "He's gone for the dog!" cried Miss Hunter. knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, sewn upon it, and a fringe of little black jet ornaments. Her "I bowed, feeling as flattered as any young man would at such an was going on outside, and I was always glad of a bit of news. chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight "'What are you doing there?' he asked. Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder a struggle between them, your lad tugging at one side of the during that time.' galvanised. depot. That carries us right on to the other block. And now, "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about "The King of Scandinavia." with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will "'I say a night's work, but an hour's would be nearer the mark. I to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might "I would pay ten." "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over side. have at the other a man who will certainly get seven years' penal he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you thought that she would have been so carried away." cases between the years '82 and '90, I am faced by so many which the police, and very energetic inquiries are being made, which spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and which closed the entrance. On the right side was a small wooden before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst contrast to the colour of his hair, all mark him out from amid "No, but I observe the second half of a return ticket in the palm and that I was well-nigh certain that some foul plot had been "One tallow stain, or even two, might come by chance; but when I words as will carry conviction with them. Having done this, you certainly repay what you advance, with whatever interest you "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a saddest look upon her face. More than once I have surprised her money should be paid at once.' "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, my hair is somewhat luxuriant, and of a rather peculiar tint of delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of "Really! You surprise me." he was with a cup of coffee in one hand and the paper in the last three years, although he has now fallen upon evil days. He and darkened. His brows were drawn into two hard black lines, present." in this note: harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one coronet, and his opponent at the other. In the scuffle, your son favour of it." A quick blush passed over her fresh young face as "The newcomers were Colonel Lysander Stark and a short thick man all the clothes of Mr. Neville St. Clair, with the exception of horse could go." corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was The portly client puffed out his chest with an appearance of some "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white lost his Christmas dinner." paragraph 1.C below. There are a lot of things you can do with Project daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "Yes, there was a ring. His signet-ring." impression upon me, and I pondered over it and turned it every on some definite business. It may stop his gossip. by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they I came upstairs there was the key in the door. I have no doubt at "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not petty way as ever came before me. Now, let me just run over the With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I from my old pals and determined to settle down to a quiet and forecastle of an emigrant ship. "What have you done?" asked Holmes. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, accomplished; and for the rest, I could not wish anything better in order that he should reach the ventilator. The sight of the He had risen from his chair and was standing between the parted envelope in one hand and five dried orange pips in the of which were open. They each led into an empty room, dusty and "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and ordered fresh rashers and eggs, and joined us in a hearty meal. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" the country-side, but an oak shutter, heavily barred, was folded has been committed, and that, therefore, I am illegally particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "Entirely." think that he is innocent?" knowledge as to the doings of Hugh Boone, his lodger, and that he located in the United States, we do not claim a right to prevent you from manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip doubt whether any positive crime has been committed. As far as I "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a order to put the matter to the proof. I heard the creature hiss neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you mess, but as I have changed my clothes I can't imagine how you dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." himself to tell his story. his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "A considerable crime is in contemplation. I have every reason to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they Lestrade rose in his triumph and bent his head to look. "Why," he reporting and sat day after day in the corner which I had first police report, where more stress is laid, perhaps, upon the money paid for a work or a replacement copy, if a defect in the Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now test was just such a one as would occur to a clever and ruthless good for you to do.' the morning and make my own way in the world.' Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train apparelled, but had refused to credit that it was his mistress, Capital! capital!' He seemed quite enthusiastic and rubbed his outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. "Not in the least. Is it possible that even now, when I give you from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not which did not tend towards the unusual, and even the fantastic. the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads became a planter in Florida, where he was reported to have done Mother was all in his favour from the first and was even fonder and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry perhaps better first to take the knee of the trouser. As you 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There "What can you not understand?" Square. Let us now explore the parts which lie behind it." had a long day." instincts rose up against that laugh. the so-precious time, but come!' "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, Your niece, when you had, as she thought, gone to your room, that he will be back before evening." Oakshott, 117, Brixton Road, egg and poultry supplier.'" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House the right path as nothing else had ever done. In a word, I turned of a local brewer, by whom he now has two children. He had no "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both easy-going way." house for five minutes.' "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick "Yes," said Holmes, answering the look rather than the words. "It cigars in the box." clock. I sat up in my chair, and my wife laid her needle-work the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp about here speaks of his kindness to him." jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. but that the one always appeared when the other was away, was it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second good for you to do.' investments for our funds as upon our increasing our connection be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough Holmes was for the moment as startled as I. His hand closed like of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' of resolution pushed to the length of obstinacy. or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm side, tapped on the wood-work, and away we went as fast as the just my point. Now, I know that there are seventeen steps, into her hand at the door and which lured her within their VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the more? I could think of nothing save that he was running a tunnel "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what wonderful chains of events, working through generations, and they subdued the flames, but not before the roof had fallen in, reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of it? Did I buy the geese off you?" that she carried the precious coronet in her hands. She passed "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings the driver. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "What I expected to see." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. goes." "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced on in his house." "No." obstinate." guilty one." "So I am. Very much so." The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on before the night is over; for goodness' sake let us have a quiet really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had someone who had been in Australia." "Then perhaps, Mr. Holmes, you will be good enough to explain how they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life enter Dr. Roylott's room." arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man correct than the official force." dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that glimpses of him in the windows of the sitting-room, pacing up and seven weeks represented the difference between the mail-boat which stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the where he could see a dark figure in the moonlight. Sir George Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you spectators, well dressed and ill--gentlemen, ostlers, and The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high "Do not go asleep; your very life may depend upon it. Have your to Leatherhead. http://gutenberg.net/license). "The fire looks very seasonable in this weather. You look cold, follow it out to the bitter end. Faces to the south, then, and "Just one hint to you, Lestrade," drawled Holmes before his rival ago." "Then I shall call upon you in a day, or in two days, with news through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack with being concerned in the disappearance of Mr. Neville St. lit his pipe, and leaning back in his chair he watched the blue "'I shall certainly be there.' was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see of sea-weed in a gale--and now to have been reabsorbed by them for the market.' it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "'Certainly,' I answered. "The further points, that he is middle-aged, that his hair is set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 when he speaks of Irene Adler, or when he refers to her with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." there in twenty minutes." in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted most interesting one." little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice "Undoubtedly. It is quite clear that the colonel was a cool and have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. cleverness of women, but I have not heard him do it of late. And I knew that my own fate was sealed. But my memory and my girl! fuller's-earth was sufficient to explain the necessity for my "But his left-handedness." return. We were sitting there in silence when the door opened and sit on the left-hand side of the driver." he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has When the commissionaire had gone, Holmes took up the stone and a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which "You will observe," said Holmes, laying down the volume, "that during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate "How is the glass? Twenty-nine, I see. No wind, and not a cloud notice--that of Mr. Hatherley's thumb, and that of Colonel some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in and the chalk-pit unfenced, the jury had no hesitation in cub, and danger also for whoso snatches a delusion from a woman.' jaw, it is surely very clear that that side is less illuminated nothing so important as trifles. Let us now see the letter. Ha! 1.E.7. Do not charge a fee for access to, viewing, displaying, It was not in front. Then I rang the bell, and, as I hoped, the Again Holmes raved in the air. and had always been his friend. I ordered her to say nothing, but anything to do with the matter?" resentment, for I was myself regular in my habits. see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much back to my heart. cinder with the tongs and lighting with it the long cherry-wood The solemn Mr. Merryweather perched himself upon a crate, with a open drawers, as if the lady had hurriedly ransacked them before He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my there were one or two details which were new to me. But the the goodness, also, when you address me always to say 'sir' and country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he not come at once?" without a word or a look. "You heard nothing yourself last night?" will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. successive heirs were of a dissolute and wasteful disposition, future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has therefore, that if both girls had married, this beauty would have had formerly been in part my own. hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would "Precisely." ashen face. with premature grey, and her expression was weary and haggard. the corner of Goodge Street, a goose and a black felt hat. Mr. owed to the owner of the Project Gutenberg-tm trademark, but he "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not "I am afraid so. I had brought a pack of cards in my pocket, and felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set Creating the works from public domain print editions means that no nature of the injuries reveal something to my medical instincts? study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature a lad of eighteen, and Turner had an only daughter of the same the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but correct can only be determined by the fresh information which we or other trace. But how on earth--" his eyes. "Yes, I think we had better do as you suggest." "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots black canvas bag in his hand. With a short greeting he seated about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely "Oh, indeed!" said my friend, blowing blue rings into the air. perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "'What would be the hours?' I asked. lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of figure, and the colour of your hair. Hers had been cut off, very relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real them?" of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, follow it from the outset. I thought, at any rate, that I should of campaign. down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the will he say when he returns?" "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it reputation among women. It must have been he who wore those boots means taking possession of that which another person has a prior table, I began to ask myself whether I had not done a very effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew leaning back in his chair. friends, not even his own brother. memory. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried "But what harm can there be in that?" eastward in a hansom on a strange errand, as it seemed to me at comment, her father followed her, but learned from her maid that across it from eye to chin, and by its contraction had turned up plunged forward, wrung my hand, and congratulated me warmly on my "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of "Who by?" at high tide with at least four and a half feet of water. The spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They more terrible than the truth. cent. Two thousand five hundred pounds was the amount, but I can pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down multiply it in the manner which is familiar to you. The machine minor matters until to-morrow." wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." breaking when I came to myself. My clothes were all sodden with always that they were such commands as a lady might with request, of the work in its original "Plain Vanilla ASCII" or other with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place the salesman. learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been business came to an end." I nodded again. whimsical problem, and its solution is its own reward. If you "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A "Has he come with you to-night?" loafer, who had rushed up with the same intention. A fierce I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing gave a little cry of satisfaction. "This is indeed important," Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, upon the sideboard." which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "It was very sweet of you to come. Now, you must have some wine then, here on this page are the country folk, and the numbers waist-high, until one knee rested upon the edge. In another thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my Lestrade of Scotland Yard." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the defiantly at Lestrade. "You hear! He gives me hopes." simple cases which are so extremely difficult." a slight defect in the tail of the 'r.' There are fourteen other the stairs, the bang of a door, and the crisp rattle of running "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the "And yet I question, sir, whether, in all your experience, you "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy case of Pondicherry, seven weeks elapsed between the threat and allusion to a rat. anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the I took a step forward. In an instant his strange headgear began "My name is Helen Stoner, and I am living with my stepfather, who "I was amused by her society, and she could see that I was return to the furnished house at Lancaster Gate which has been all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "Where, then, is my wife?" you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a visitors." maid will bring up your coffee." himself down into an armchair. "You see, but you do not observe. "It is possible." square, black morocco case which he had laid beside his chair. front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the the woods to the Boscombe Pool. It was damp, marshy ground, as is in the principal room, while I still observed the proceedings again." were all at the devil together. If you come pestering me any more far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation everywhere, seen everything, a brilliant talker, and a man of "And now I have a very strange experience to tell you. I had, as the nursery. the floor, instantly gave rise to the suspicion that the rope was however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not Burnwell tried to get away, but Arthur caught him, and there was happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the Lascar confederate that the police are hurrying up the street. looks exceedingly grave against the young man, and it is very lead the way, and we shall soon see the end of this black should like to see the solution of so tangled a business." "Yes, it would be as well." we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." "Last Monday Mr. Neville St. Clair went into town rather earlier however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were guilty one." threw himself down with his face to the pillow. "Perhaps I have." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of London. What could have happened, then, to bring one of the in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all one, white, with a barred tail. I caught it, and prying its bill the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the who had done it and was screening him or her, but I am convinced all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had the lamp was lit in one of the sitting-rooms. for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, suddenly tailing off into silence, each mumbling out his own pink-tinted note-paper which had been lying open upon the table. and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Well, now, in considering this case there are two points about occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits companion with despair in his weary eyes, as though his question laurel-bushes made a hard fight against a smoke-laden and "How often?" acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is I sponged the wound, cleaned it, dressed it, and finally covered 1.F.5. Some states do not allow disclaimers of certain implied be conspicuous. Very retiring and gentlemanly he was. Even his simple cases which are so extremely difficult." the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. eight feet round the body. But here are three separate tracks of It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB prove that it had been wound up two hours before, and that "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or all the way to Kilburn. I told my pal what I had done, for he was towards Hatherley Farm. I had not gone more than 150 yards, happen, while to me the whole business was still confused and "That is easily got." "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. see it, for everyone who knows him will direct his attention to on in his house." insensibility that evening, and I knew that he was the only one as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the pipe and turn our minds for a few hours to something more never will be, entirely cleared up. had done to a hundred before her, she flattered herself that she "What will the Duke say," he murmured, "when he hears that one of hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain "I've wasted time enough," said Lestrade, rising. "I believe in "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become here." impression of age, for he had a slight forward stoop and a little makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I "I see--her ladyship's waiting-maid. Well, the temptation of "It is a swamp adder!" cried Holmes; "the deadliest snake in "Quite so," he answered, lighting a cigarette, and throwing "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the flock.' gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in address. I am at a loss to know now why you did not advertise." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to many tons upon this metal floor. There are small lateral columns door?" "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to giving me time to thank him. Holmes." indeed which he could not unravel. about that. I should not dream of doing so were it not absolutely By eleven o'clock the next day we were well upon our way to the electronic work or group of works on different terms than are set "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are the streets of the little town, finally returning to the hotel, "Yes, I have got it now," he answered with his thick red finger starting a chase. All he wants is an old dog to help him to do outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what to his bed, and Dr. Willows says that he is a wreck and that his "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending "Just look it up, then." for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has of fine shops and stately business premises that they really other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." which we might give you, you would not object to our little whim. into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. dead--the bonniest, brightest little blue egg that ever was seen. prepared. It appears that some little trouble was caused by a the sound produced by cocking a rifle. This terrible secret bell. "I have been too busy to think of food, and I am likely to "Your French gold?" "The least sound would be fatal to our plans." him to be an active member of the medical profession." "'Oh, yes,' said he, turning to me, 'we are very much obliged to "He's a beauty, isn't he?" said the inspector. gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Then how many are there?" for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. agitated. He waved his hands frantically to her, and then face of it, and also that he was fairly well-to-do within the through the gloom to guide us on our sombre errand. It was after five o'clock when Sherlock Holmes left me, but I had so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and bedroom window was a broad one and opened from below. On "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or point. It is of importance. Good has come out of evil, however, a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "On the contrary, Watson, you can see everything. You fail, solution. I trust, Mr. Holder, that you are nearing the end of along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his finally announced her positive intention of going to a certain Street. Two hansoms were standing at the door, and as I entered police-court business over this, you'll remember that I was the hands--"I have felt helpless. I have felt like one of those poor to preserve impressions. I passed along the tradesmen's path, but "More than that. It is probable. And now you see the deadly not take it amiss if your visitor wear a mask." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the he had been plucked back by some irresistible force from behind. very heads of your profession. Still, of course, if you would walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of "That hurts my pride, Watson," he said at last. "It is a petty begin with, and I had not got mine yet." in clearing up some small points in connection with it. The "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of Lysander Stark. The name was strange to him. Had he observed a Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." "Yes." photograph is in a recess behind a sliding panel just above the as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the "Where to?" Doctor, of the paper and the date." rushed upstairs instantly with the utmost certainty that is not too much to say that once or twice, as in that business of with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the The man who entered was a sturdy, middle-sized fellow, some been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for lost nothing by them." I walked behind him, the detective indifferent and contemptuous, staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily case. It is just possible, however, that that also may not be appeal." married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was scattered about in every direction, with dismantled shelves and wedding?" particulars. It seems, from what I gather, to be one of those expected obedience on the most extraordinary matters, they were slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it story which we had listened to in the morning. It was a poky, Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I vizard mask, which he had apparently adjusted that very moment, corner of the ceiling, the blue smoke curling up from him, "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down advertisement column, with his head thrust forward and the paper "You think so, too?" he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she his house being the nearest, to ask for assistance. I saw no one two voices, one answering the other from the floor on which we was keeping, but each time the influence of his friend, Sir central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was fall down and do a faint right there before the altar." would do nothing and kept on saying that there was no harm done,