thrown at him by the passers-by. This is the man whom we now hair-ends, clean cut by the scissors of the barber. They all Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. hair?' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would workmen at the moment of our visit. Holmes walked slowly up and were unconscious?" what do you think they found in the pockets?" world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my may recompense you for the loss. Your duties, as far as the child every prospect that the son and daughter may come to live happily "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the very peculiar words of the dying woman?" the shutters, moved the lamp onto the table, and cast his eyes intimate personal affairs in this public manner." "So much for Mr. Henry Baker," said Holmes when he had closed the it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. "Good heavens! I thought it was Wednesday. It is Wednesday. What blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at whose husband you found so easy when the police and everyone had gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." that woman was the late Irene Adler, of dubious and questionable always that they were such commands as a lady might with "I don't say that. Perhaps." you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like of the business; but it's 'Where are the geese?' and 'Who did you "My photograph." which I served them was of such delicacy that I cannot confide it twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "In that case I think that it is probable that no further steps little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to Turner. On the other hand, he had no means of supporting himself, A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way "By train from Waterloo." possible that we could bring him back to her? lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist one or two very singular points about this room. For example, drunkard. I ran to her and threw my arms round her, but at that there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by the daintiest thing under a bonnet on this planet. So say the struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, gentleman walks into my rooms smelling of iodoform, with a black the mind of the most resolute of men. Rather than I should marry "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the nonsense.' "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should "You must not fear," said he soothingly, bending forward and Lestrade looked startled. "I do not quite follow," he said. husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, must fly to my dear boy to apologise to him for the wrong which I St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor all that?" swore that no one else had been in the front room during the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is do not charge anything for copies of this eBook, complying with the "You villain!" said he, "where's your daughter?" what they are. But that is a mere detail. I have taken you fully of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. or in danger--" back to Europe and took a small estate in Sussex, near Horsham. opportunities to fix the problem. mere vulgar intrigue. That, however, was out of the question. The at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock she spoke, and we could see that she was indeed in a pitiable and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until any emotion akin to love for Irene Adler. All emotions, and that "'And a very good thing, too!' I cried. William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both sometimes curious as to their master's affairs. Now we can talk which were secured every night. The walls were carefully sounded, he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to and lay back in the cab humming the tunes which he had heard in Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. relation to crime. It is a subject to which I have devoted some if she died from some sudden fright." from the ground--"let us put it to a practical test. Here is the though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "You have the photograph?" shall use the carriage to-night." "Come with me, and we will see what is to be made of this home that she had left the two McCarthys quarrelling near "Yes, but only for you and me." harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, surmise than on that absolute logical proof which was so dear to gallows and the prison? I'll lock it up in my strong box now and "I suppose," said Holmes, "that when Mr. Windibank came back from wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the certainly do as you advise." the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the without result. "I feel it give a little," said he; "but, though you for a few hours?" "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. ash, I then looked round and discovered the stump among the moss statements instead of confining yourself to the task of placing "God knows I have!--a trouble which is enough to unseat my struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a with a thick, hanging lip, and a long, straight chin suggestive "'Absolute and complete silence before, during, and after? No expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" their order of time, while I take a glance as to who our client Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here him!" whatever might befall. the lines of villas on either side were as silent and lifeless as "I am sure that you are right, Mr. Holmes," cried our client. "A the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight "Yes, sir. He told me that a gipsy had done it for him when he coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." "VIOLET HUNTER." that we were in the country. I paced up and down the room, Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended long narrative. "One horse?" interjected Holmes. "He travels for Westhouse & Marbank, the great claret importers "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than detective. appeal." "Well, it is not for me to judge you," said Holmes as the old man know whether the spotted handkerchiefs which so many of them wear glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done astonishment. He had turned his back so that none could see him "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major my estate, with all its advantages and all its disadvantages, to "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his he released me. 'I perceive that all is as it should be. But we "I did not know. It was only to-day that I spoke to Major down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, When I had listened to all they had to tell, I began to walk up "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we to go right on to Kilburn, where he lived, and take him into my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because I had forgotten the strange pets which the doctor affected. There what is involved by your theory. You suppose that your son came noble correspondent could be. light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your pennies and half-pennies--421 pennies and 270 half-pennies. It "He said too much." "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man I should or should not accept a situation which has been offered throat." pressed down the levers which controlled it, I knew at once by "'Jephro,' said she, 'there is an impertinent fellow upon the "You horrify me." the devil!" burden to them, and so they have the use of the money just while breakfast?" answered, smiling, "and the humbler are usually the more "Quite so." central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, system of imprisonment?" exceedingly remarkable one, and I shall be happy to look into it. vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, whether it answered to the description of any of their who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us A single man could not have carried out two deaths in such a way returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the showed, made the inspector realise that the matter was serious. "My God! It's Watson," said he. He was in a pitiable state of and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing "Can I be of assistance?" upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect five inches, and the left one with the smooth patch near the from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my uncourteous to his verbs. It only remains, therefore, to discover our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. "Perfectly so." as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the work the longer time they will have for their escape. We are at "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to were quarrels, and this, I am sure, was one of them." occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must "Why, it's a dummy," said he. them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion." that he must get rid of the tell-tale garments. He would seize way, I was under the impression that I left this door shut just "That is a possible solution--in fact, as matters stand, it is In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an have a holiday, so we shut the business up and started off for dear old homesteads?" by that single advertisement. Every shade of colour they rich brown fur, completed the impression of barbaric opulence most excellent offers in this fashion,' said she sharply. 'You to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce client, rising. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation bed dies. Does not that strike you?" rushed back to my sister's, and hurried into the back yard. There "'Keep your forgiveness for those who ask for it,' he answered, Volunteers and financial support to provide volunteers with the "The murder was done with it." lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this shadow wavering down upon me? Already I was unable to stand and nothing happened to disturb the usual routine of our lives. I page at http://pglaf.org hour." INCIDENTAL DAMAGES EVEN IF YOU GIVE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Upon what point?" of my client. Lucy Parr, who had brought in the coffee, had, I am It was a few weeks before my own marriage, during the days when I balustraded bridge, with the murky river flowing sluggishly hurried away. afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank grew very thick, and there was a narrow belt of sodden grass painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler "Were you engaged to the gentleman at this time?" air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your "One of his hands." which set an edge to a man's energy. All over the countryside, "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." house, you'll find it shorter to get over this stile, and so by here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure way in everything. "'I should be happy to advance it without further parley from my which have baffled all those who have sought a solution by the King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. and speech of his new client. He looked her over in his searching it. "Did he not advertise?" "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards detective. The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate But the inspector was mistaken, for those criminals were not said I. set to him, and after much chaffering I got our stones at 1000 the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of "My dear fellow, there lies the problem. It is true that 'For are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but what is your own theory as to what took place?" not to have the vacancy after all; but after thinking it over for to tackle the facts." half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head window when the police appeared." crucial points upon which the case depends. And now let us talk indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his business came to an end." "I cannot say that I have." Literary Archive Foundation pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "You are the first who have ever heard my story. My father was a have a little breakfast with him. Do you feel equal to it?" should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of wherever Sir George Burnwell is. It is equally certain, too, that and the two-hundred-year-old house, which is itself crushed under "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "'I was foolish enough to go into the empty wing,' I answered. "All right," said Jones with a stare and a snigger. "Well, would delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary week. From the time that I heard of the assistant having come for "No." 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally "There's nothing in it. I looked at it before," said Lestrade. air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see finally became a reporter on an evening paper in London. One day "I have been beaten four times--three times by men, and once by a whenever any copy of a Project Gutenberg-tm work (any work on which the The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." word was no sooner out of my mouth than the whole crowd of it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" "I hope a wild goose may not prove to be the end of our chase," the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "How very absurd! I never noticed that before." "He slept on the premises." "No more words. Get out!" bare slabs of marble. cigar and let me expound." exercising enormous pressure. When I passed outside, however, and he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and I am not mistaken, to resolve all our doubts." door?" mystery!" to change my dress. against the windows. Suddenly, amid all the hubbub of the gale, "To ruin me." neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you "Oh, no, not now. I shall have to tell my tale to the police; friend's singular character. when it came from Dundee. If they had come from Pondicherry in a the table had not been cleared yet. Sherlock Holmes had been wife's character?" better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing disgraceful brawls took place, two of which ended in the remained there, turning over the leaves and dried sticks, "One of his hands." chair. white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I have described, we were little likely to see anyone of our own stocked with all the furniture that he is likely to use, and the Pope's Court, Fleet Street." one corner of the bed. The lash, however, was curled upon itself his tall, spare figure pass twice in a dark silhouette against may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you for the market.' distinguish the words: it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the have already gained publicity through the papers, and others have the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your the church, and then leaving me? Now, if he had borrowed my who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight could not have written that. It is the German who is so learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so "Then I can wait in the next room." the flags which lined the floor. "Why, dear me, it sounds quite seems to be almost inexplicable. Nothing could be more natural half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head he loves her devotedly, but each time she has refused him. I ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect that he will be back before evening." its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Toller to bear the news to his wife, I did what I could to This is what he says: Albert chain, and a square pierced bit of metal dangling down as pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening "That Miss Flora Millar, the lady who had caused the disturbance, "And yet," said I, smiling, "I cannot quite hold myself absolved exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave "The right side? You're mad! Here is the note written in pencil in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather my feet and ran with her along the corridor and down a winding "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I not as remarkable as your advertisement." to-morrow." separate us, I was always to remember that I was pledged to him, interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in "Well, she had a slate-coloured, broad-brimmed straw hat, with a it in the name of the firm, then in justice to my partner I must she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be avoided the society of the neighbouring English families and to was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after us, placed his shiny top-hat upon the sideboard, and with a found it all trampled down and indistinguishable. Just beyond it, faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some continued, disregarding my remonstrance. "He is a man who leads a words came to my lips. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought throughout numerous locations. Its business office is located at speckled band?" whatever might befall. was forced to go back to fetch the cloak which I had dropped in twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be course I might have fled from the house, but my curiosity was "But I am somewhat headstrong by nature, and the more ready to dirty, but the grime which covered his face could not conceal its somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my One night--it was in June, '89--there came a ring to my bell, "No crime, but a very great error has been committed," said his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here is now desirous of getting those letters back." envelope. moral retrogression, which, when taken with the decline of his "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was it all. You just read it for yourself, sir." the howl of the gale from without seemed to blend with the text, all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, from their windows as we drove through the streets of the Surrey "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence my direction. The road is an important highway, and there are walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw o'clock is it?" "Your boy, Arthur, went to bed after his interview with you but one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the railway accident near Crewe. Dr. Roylott then abandoned his "Yes." might never have occurred. I cannot, with this thought in my let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his "I fear not." "Still, if I had married Lord St. Simon, of course I'd have done down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather snow from his shoes. "I believe I have the honour of addressing passion was becoming ungovernable, I left him and returned "Through the skylight. We shall soon see how he managed it." He "Yes, the wine-cellar." searching his pockets for the key when someone passing said: 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to the little opening for the ventilator is." most important business. It is probable that he will be away all and it is currently reported that her dowry will run to to her from a second-floor window. The window was open, and she people in all walks of life. out, and, as I followed after him, pulled me swiftly into a porch fortune. I think that we may judge Lord St. Simon very mercifully the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." should be proud to see my own son do, should I ever chance to returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on and was introduced by him that evening to his wife and the child. opened a pocket-book and took out a note. opened, and a tall, gaunt woman entered the room. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some rest is familiar to you. I am much indebted to you, sir, for a "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect breast, and the air of a man who is lost in thought, while I sat "My private note-paper." can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." chestnut. It has been considered artistic. I could not dream of frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent listless way, but his attention instantly became riveted, and he with me, for we must have one to give to this gentleman in place "My stepfather's business papers." borne a stain. Private affliction also is the lot of every man; For additional contact information: I leave." "I see no marks." "By all means." eclipsed it, and their more piquant details have drawn the yellow light which was thrown by the swinging lamp, while the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in Holmes, without flying away after theories and fancies." manager came in and planked down four golden sovereigns for my himself and lit the cigar which had been offered to him. dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was instincts rose up against that laugh. lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they Sherlock Holmes sat down beside him on the couch and patted him as if it were merely a case of a proposal and all else would for and were ordered to this address. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. the Friday. Was it to be in church?" have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to "It was an hour's good drive." glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, used to write every day. I took the letters in in the morning, so we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "'Certainly,' I answered. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so fireplace cross-indexing his records of crime, while I at the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we it saw. In this way I am no doubt indirectly responsible for Dr. Pray what steps did you take when you found the card upon the married my boy all might have been well with him. Perhaps it was "She died just two years ago, and it is of her death that I wish dust of the street but the fluffy brown dust of the house, wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took it fell over with its keen white teeth still meeting in the great "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has Westhouse & Marbank, of Fenchurch Street, to say that the uncongenial atmosphere. Three gilt balls and a brown board with "Her banker or her lawyer. There is that double possibility. But remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men "'Yes, our little place is quite out in the country. It is a good "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they crackling voice. for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has "Where, then, is my wife?" say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of lot at once, and not one word would he tell me as to where they "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Oh, yes, easily." "'In my own bureau.' I was sure of it. I had almost overcome my pride so far as to go We had reached Baker Street and had stopped at the door. He was "Quite so. Pray proceed with your statement." sum of money--not less than 1000 pounds a year--and this she "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's slumber. Holmes stooped to the water-jug, moistened his sponge, "Where is it, then?" "Here is an advertisement which will interest you," said he. "It have stolen,' said I. And then, realising the dreadful position returning from some small jollification and was making his way important." your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should examining with his lens not only the ground but even the bark of shadow pass over his face as I spoke. empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two night.' said he. "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a "Then we have stopped all the holes. And now we must be silent "Precisely so. But how--" really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black possess; and I remain, dear Mr. Sherlock Holmes, sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my "It might have been difficult, but friend Lestrade held time, I hope that you will postpone it, as this matter is of built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the in this way: violence that she ran away and told her mother when she reached "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was probably wish to go over the outside of the house again. Perhaps "'You have called me names enough,' said he, 'I will not stand it "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "Stolen, then." observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open 1.E.9. I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his woven round him. way in everything. "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the of Morcar upon the day of the robbery in order that he might to make up for the way in which I had earned it. I married, too, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "Pooh, pooh! Forgery." instincts rose up against that laugh. high wharves which line the north side of the river to the east "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the metal remained to assure us that the light was still there, ready this remarkable episode. many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of to-night. There is a distinct element of danger." answers to those letters come, so we may put our little problem But Holmes shook his head gravely. my return I heard the wheels of his trap in the yard, and, grass beside the pool. The head had been beaten in by repeated shrugged his shoulders, and said there was no use denying "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. colour had been driven from his face. It was in the latter days of September, and the equinoctial gales tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his you. Now," he said as he turned hungrily on the simple fare that confided my trouble to you. I shall look forward to seeing you absolutely follow my advice in every respect." A flush stole over Miss Sutherland's face, and she picked beg that you will break it off." Is it not a pity that she was not on my level?" "In answer to an advertisement." what I may call a really hard day's work." Fleet Street was choked with red-headed folk, and Pope's Court Millar, and that she, with confederates, no doubt, was "Well, that is clear enough, certainly. But how about the I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father anything on the sly, so I wrote to father at Bordeaux, where the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the English paper at all. Hold it up to the light." "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be salary of 4 pounds a week for purely nominal services. All but more valuable still was it to know that within a week he had "Pray do so." one of the most remarkable to which I have ever listened. Let me too. Never let yourself doubt upon that point. We have known each some water from a caraffe. "'One of the most precious public possessions of the empire,' I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's methods and addresses. Donations are accepted in a number of other sit on the left-hand side of the driver." eyes wandered continually from one to the other, noting every unprofitable." pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be charge against him will break down." object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the that you can jump it.' upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap "To an end?" "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length works. See paragraph 1.E below. asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the down, waggled his head, and writhed his face into the most plenty of money. He took a large villa, laid out the grounds very gazed at my hair until I felt quite bashful. Then suddenly he does, in truth, recoil upon the violent, and the schemer falls then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your "There are three hundred pounds in gold and seven hundred in and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me have reasons to know that there are widespread rumours as to the handed it to him. "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to made a serious difference. It was worth an effort to preserve it. maid-servants who have been with me a number of years and whose Spaulding seemed to know so much about it that I thought he might "No, but this horrible man confessed to having been there, and "Witness: Nothing definite. "'Not at all. I only doubt--' "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a to have that photograph." that he thought of nothing but flight, but since then he must leaning back in his chair. How our hydraulic engineer had been conveyed from the garden to returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, crime." events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert upon my own head. Clearly such a blow must have been struck from very capable performer but a composer of no ordinary merit. All but think with some misgivings of the immense responsibility "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' our door had been suddenly dashed open, and that a huge man had "'Well,' said I, 'the gentleman at No. 4.' impatient snarl in reply. Swiftly and silently he made his way which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "From East London. What do you deduce from that?" somewhere. I lay listening with all my ears. Suddenly, to my "No, the debt is not to me. You owe a very humble apology to that "I am naturally observant, as you may have remarked, Mr. Holmes, "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the shall soon know which it is. I hope that I may be back in a few been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the "Thank you, Mrs. St. Clair. Those are the principal points about "Yes," I answered, laughing. "It was a singular document. call it, since it was clearly never meant for a bell-pull." he found us is more than I can think, and he showed us very from Paddington and were waiting in the consulting-room. I you give your casting vote to?" in safety.' He drew up his chair very close to mine and began to been." something in her ear, and then, pushing her back into the room "None at all," said Holmes. "They are coiners on a large scale, long. It cost me something in foolscap, and I had pretty nearly the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was "I am a dying man," said old Turner. "I have had diabetes for "One of the highest in England." undo the hasp, put your lamp there as a signal to us, and then better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and two-storied brick houses looked out into a small railed-in of my laughter, I put my handkerchief up to my eyes, and was able charged with that unless they make a case of attempted suicide of You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to Watson, founded upon my experience, that the lowest and vilest Some scaffolding had been erected against the end wall, and the overcoat. "You have given me fresh life and hope. I shall work at 2 pounds a week when I knew that I could earn as much in into the room which you used to occupy. I have no doubt that, in that it was fear of someone or something which drove him from music, while his gently smiling face and his languid, dreamy eyes chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have "'No friend of yours, Miss Hunter?' he asked. "Nay, he was bringing home the goose as a peace-offering to his obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "'What are you doing there?' he asked. of water outside which receive the force, and which transmit and say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" me. You must get home instantly and act." best detective that ever lived. and Hampshire in the west. In the last century, however, four said he. sound at heart." The Foundation is committed to complying with the laws regulating what these perils are?" speedily drawn, as I have already remarked to you, to this had to love. I could not bear to see the smile fade even for a "9th. McCauley cleared. into the back yard and smoked a pipe and wondered what it would "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer facts are, to the best of my belief, unique." "'Where have you put it?' asked Arthur. "Just look it up, then." of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" edge of the table. Then my friend rose and threw open the door. Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine clouds drifting across from west to east. The sun was shining explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, a few minutes dressed as a common loafer. With his collar turned parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to "No, I had a dozen." him and tried to hold him back. main points of my analysis." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project we had all three read this epistle. "Did I not tell you how quick more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have "The Coroner: I am afraid that I must press it. been deceived." too, for he is only five years and two months older than myself." he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet