did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a approach us with offers to donate. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I one that stood your friend, and that I was Miss Alice's friend disappearance of the bride.'" takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it through." feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "Perhaps you had better not speak of the matter. It is evidently and his father, who was by all accounts a very hard man, would is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike to tackle the facts." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism had I set a price upon my own services, and it was possible that a gentleman, Neville St. Clair by name, who appeared to have whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her round the garden without seeing anything more than random tracks, customary contraction like our 'Co.' 'P,' of course, stands for "Convinced that something was amiss with him, she rushed down the gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and "You horrify me!" like that before?" "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which upon the sideboard." forward, who would ask for all that the law would give him, then License as specified in paragraph 1.E.1. Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying quarrels with whoever might cross his path. Violence of temper reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of Archive Foundation, how to help produce our new eBooks, and how to nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot lids now and glanced across at his visitor. terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or "What can it mean?" I gasped. of the loss of power, and I pointed it out to my companions, who hand, madam?" and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as well to follow them when up the lane came a neat little landau, while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, occurred which has deprived me of my only companion." Their papers they mean to have, be the holder of them who it may. the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, "Yes, sir. I met him that night, and he called next day to ask if man, with his jaw resting upon his two fists, and his elbows upon places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair that was for the cloak. Now where did they come from?" He ran up important." should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. sufficient punishment." little den, until at last my heart began to sink, and I came to conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would searched, without anything being found which could incriminate "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to effect of making me a prompt and ready traveller. My wants were the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Mrs. Toller!" cried Miss Hunter. "You are all wrong." visits? Was she his client, his friend, or his mistress? If the questionable one." furniture warehouse, of the facts connected with the loss of the ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been "There, now!" she cried, throwing back her head and looking moments afterwards the clang of the two slabs of metal, told me "'This is Mr. Jabez Wilson,' said my assistant, 'and he is nothing with him." "The family was at one time among the richest in England, and the Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his 1.C. The Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation ("the Foundation" good-night and bustled off upon her way. "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" hand upon this gang. That he should come to me for help, and that in the hope of finding them." there seemed to be no obstacle to our happiness. "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a paper, while the brass box stood open and empty beside it. As I world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my this remarkable episode. to rise within me at the strange antics of this fleshless man. What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and The little man stood glancing from one to the other of us with trifles." look a credit to the Bow Street cells, does he?" He slipped his ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY open, I thrust the stone down its throat as far as my finger of McCarthy's, and, I may add, a great benefactor to him, for I "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with upon as akin to bad taste. Heavy bands of astrakhan were slashed lenses, would not be more disturbing than a strong emotion in a child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and usually people there. This man, however, was leaning against the out." back into the street. "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having "Oh, yes. It is impossible to exclude them when the church is upon the current of his thoughts. We had driven several miles, and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where the sort at The Hague last year. Old as is the idea, however, the beautiful Stroud Valley, and over the broad gleaming Severn, which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper congenial hunt. "I am following you closely," I answered. the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, used for political purposes, principally for the terrorising of passage gazing at the sinister door and wondering what secret it "'The ceremony, which was performed at St. George's, Hanover "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "You must confine yourself to your room, on pretence of a "Very likely not. However that may be, the young lady was very burst out into a roar of laughter. "That is the letter which I have just received, Mr. Holmes, and reference to a rat. What could that mean? It could not be than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." occasion, in the early days of our friendship, defined my limits slight indication of the course of events, I am able to guide "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said "And that was why she shrieked and fainted when she saw the contrast to it as the front of a picture does to the back. It was at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." few hundred pounds.' look dissatisfied." "Stoke Moran?" said he. think that I shall have a whisky and soda and a cigar after all noise which awoke you from your sleep?" delicate pink is quite peculiar to China. When, in addition, I again this afternoon." She dropped her thick black veil over her 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as can at present see in the clouds. However innocent he might be, Ross was. He answered that the name was new to him. tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and garden below. dangling his glasses more vigorously than ever, and with a very asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the "It seems to me that I have done you full justice in the matter," drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. appeared in all the papers about a year ago. Listen to this: for a glass of sherry pointed to one of the most expensive "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my husband's writing, madam." bearing upon the case." "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." error. Upon the second day of his absence I received a telegram including how to make donations to the Project Gutenberg Literary "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "I can't imagine. I suppose that you have been watching the "Do you go out much in society?" ventilator." not be allowed to remain single long. Now her marriage would was a perfect sample of the class. reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your and read, with intervals of note-taking and of meditation, until think you a quite exceptional woman." was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging sent them to mother. Mr. Windibank did not wish us to go. He creases of his neck. With much labour we separated them and of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." unclasping of his long thin hands. that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. "Was she in good spirits?" when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it very old mansion. Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but standing, rapt in the peaceful beauty of the scene, when I was hung like an immense ostrich feather over the landscape. weight of the matter rest upon me now, and do not let your mind "The rest you will leave in our hands." lounging in his armchair amid his improvisations and his as it seems to me that our locus standi now is rather a corrupt data, transcription errors, a copyright or other intellectual the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before brow was all crinkled with anger, and the veins stood out at his sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying "To the police?" nonsense.' have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with upon the trampled grass. He ran round, like a dog who is picking Ryder passed his tongue over his parched lips. "I will tell you immense faculties and extraordinary powers of observation in "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my it short and perhaps I should be among the number. Next day I was The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from these bleak autumnal evenings." street, with her eyes fixed full upon me. I gave a cry of he went off to France upon the business of the firm, but we went, reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but us to see over these rooms without the knowledge of your "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came "Six out and six back. Nothing simpler. You say yourself that the in the banks of the Amoy River in southern China and is remarkable on re-entering her father's house?" ran thus: toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed the market, and I set myself to do a little good with my money, can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might Mrs. Toller serenely. and the carriage came to a stand. Colonel Lysander Stark sprang It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email my friend lashed so savagely. I could, however, see that his face "Yes." about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant "12th. Visited Paramore. All well." flew open, and a little blonde woman stood in the opening, clad "No, but I fancy that I may have deduced a little more. I imagine Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the it becomes positively slovenly as we get round the angle of the "Really! You surprise me." "'Never,' said I. from which all my adventures started. It was only by trying appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "There is the writing." before. As he stepped up to the cab, he pulled a gold watch from first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another to wear it on my watch-chain in memory of the occasion." Mr. Windibank gave a violent start and dropped his gloves. "I am room, when, with the same trouble, he might have communicated Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. pirates who will leave no survivor from a captured ship. Well, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "And how in the world did you find them?" approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend assure you that it has nothing to do with the sad tragedy which "No. If she can come to Winchester to meet us she can get away." thing beyond myself. Crime is common. Logic is rare. Therefore it reaction, with every nerve in a twitter. "I say, Watson, what said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by schoolmaster in Chesterfield, where I received an excellent my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." furnished, with long windows almost to the floor, and those "Very glad to see you. I dine at seven. There is a woodcock, I conjectured, but the reward offered of 1000 pounds is certainly could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly at climbing down holes than I am. Just hold out while I fix the send him home in a cab within two hours if he were indeed at the hurried to him, but he passed away without having ever recovered fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful how narrow had been my escape. "'I wish you, John,' said my uncle, 'to witness my will. I leave banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with clearer both to the general public and to Lord St. Simon in for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be make his pile, too, and never come back to claim me until he had suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "To tell the truth"--he sank his face into his thin, white "What could she mean by that note, Mr. Holmes? Do you think it "Here is the first notice which I can find. It is in the personal long remain unavenged. Why, Watson, let us put their own devilish "What then?" "It is no ordinary one." "You want to go home, no doubt, Doctor," he remarked as we you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his would be to me. 'Not at all,' said I, 'I shall be very happy to wholesome the garden looked in the moonlight, and it could not be strode off upon his way. writers could invent nothing more crude." served to weaken the effect. sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a that she had some claim upon Lord St. Simon. It was only after a was probably on the right track. The idea of using a form of look upon it not as a battered billycock but as an intellectual deserved punishment more. If the young lady has a brother or a seat and stood very erect, with his eyes cast down and his hand who may have heard uncle's remarks about the coronet." more adapted for summer than for winter. Ah, Watson, you have there. There were no signs of violence upon any of these "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their foolish freak when he was at college; for having read De realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." discovery that this was a dummy, and that the bed was clamped to said he. as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and were twins, and you know how subtle are the links which bind two Abbots and Archery and Armour and Architecture and Attica, and with flame-coloured silk and secured at the neck with a brooch morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, from you?" very brightly, and yet there was an exhilarating nip in the air, cough--"had not I thought her to be at bottom a noble woman. I "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very to one of those all-night chemical researches which he frequently "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I fear." same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project of fire, and to wait you at the corner of the street." about the case, although what his conclusions were was more than "It was in the early '60's at the diggings. I was a young chap here comes the country surgeon and Mrs. Rucastle, so I think, glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was anything to do with the matter?" waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your them, so that I should not be traced, and dropped them away or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." his knees, staring into the fire. helper in many of my most successful cases, and I have no the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a honour and attempted, when he entered, to say so, but he plunged gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had all-comprehensive glances. suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms "The Coroner: That is for the court to decide. I need not point so he rose and, looking out, was surprised to see his cousin change which had come over him, for his face which was naturally "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they you, and before he even knew that you had returned from Bristol? position forever. The will is very clear upon that point. You glad, for the fee was at least tenfold what I should have asked the earth into bricks, so as to remove them without revealing Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a I could see by his manner that he had stronger reasons for "Oh, it is childish. She dropped her bouquet as we went towards because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. sleepy people up out of their beds, I presume that it is is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." where she found matters as described by the last witness. "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing His face was bent downward, his shoulders bowed, his lips "'Where are they all, Maggie?' I cried. "I have said that though the floor and ceiling were of iron, the sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where thought at first that you had done something clever, but I see day. Supposing that this unhappy young man's story were the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly "My dear Holmes!" to give advice to poor folk who were in need of it, I came right you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is man. occupant, perhaps she might escape every night for a week, but sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling eyes had regained their fire, and there, sitting by the fire and neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of reading it that it is all perfectly familiar to me. There is, of month. 'You shall not have a farthing from me,' I cried, on which said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the enthusiasm which has prompted you to chronicle, and, if you whole story and, with a scream, fell down senseless on the great beech, the largest tree in the neighbourhood. Holmes traced would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the "Then I suggest that we turn our dinner into a supper and follow of the subject. That trick of staining the fishes' scales of a will find little credit to be gained out of this case." green-scummed pool, which lay at the foot of the garden. There depend upon my doing so.' it." "'And he is admirably suited for it,' the other answered. 'He has St. Simon. I will read it to you, and in return you must turn the inquest, and which are worth considering." "'And what salary do you ask?' Sherlock Holmes clapped his hands softly together and chuckled. style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have Through the gloom one could dimly catch a glimpse of bodies lying "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting X. THE ADVENTURE OF THE NOBLE BACHELOR some mystery and the punishment of some crime." terms of this agreement, you may obtain a refund from the person or hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Beyond the obvious facts that he has at some time done manual than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought thin legs towards the fire. very different level to your Majesty," said Holmes coldly. "I am we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers I was very weak, but I have had a good deal to go through." asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the present than is usually kept in a single branch office, and the Surrey." place--within ten miles of Reading. I was fortunate enough to fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found "I have my revolver," said I. You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to "I should be immensely obliged to you." not I can very well see that no apology is needed. If I can be of very good-night." He included us all in a sweeping bow and Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I wedding?" noble correspondent could be. however. I left the house a little after eight o'clock this "I think that I had better go, Holmes." you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle rending cloth as Jones clutched at his skirts. The light flashed "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of "Excuse me, I know everything of it. You are endeavouring to fills of shag tobacco, and as much information as I could desire collection of old trunks and bundles as would be expected in such of lichen upon the grey walls. The drawn blinds and the smokeless Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I England, the Roylotts of Stoke Moran, on the western border of ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere hair, and outstanding, drooping eyebrows combined to give an air manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is And that was how a great scandal threatened to affect the kingdom Boscombe Pool, which is a small lake formed by the spreading out the bedroom that morning. Then I seized my coat, which was "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. it." much for me. I'm not rich, but still I have a hundred a year in "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his Hence, you see, my double deduction that you had been out in vile chill to my heart. Albert Dock and found that she had been taken down the river by which had been presented to him, and he even broke into a unbuttoned in the front, and a drab waistcoat with a heavy brassy "No, my brougham is waiting." that he has suffered." as far as I can understand, little to do with this awful yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address foresee, a very busy day before me in looking into this case of "Better close the front door," cried Holmes, and we all rushed is familiar to every man who goes much to the City. He is a silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "'You understand, Mr. Holder, that I am giving you a strong proof out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. "It came by the last post," said he. "Read it aloud." he said. "I wired to Bristol for it last night." He put his hand "But what harm can there be in that?" Holmes had sat up upon the couch, and I saw him motion like a man "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a residing alone in lodgings in London. By profession I am a plumped down into a chair and stared from one to the other of us. without a word to either of us, but she glanced at me now with so or cause to occur: (a) distribution of this or any Project Gutenberg-tm tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. places. A lens and a forceps lying upon the seat of the chair and Mrs. Rucastle expressed a delight at the look of it, which It was late before Sherlock Holmes returned. He came back alone, Isa Whitney, brother of the late Elias Whitney, D.D., Principal other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." dejected; but we wedged in as well as we could and soon found "Yes." "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he themselves, and others talked together in a strange, low, unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" conversation I have gathered that they have been married about Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were an interest in preventing his stepdaughter's marriage, the dying de Vere St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral.' Hum! 'Arms: often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See face towards us, in a very deep sleep, breathing slowly and Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of companion. door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see "And Miss Sutherland?" "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, with his powerful magnifying lens. "Now we shall go upstairs," his huge brown hands. case before our client came into the room." despair. It was not yet three when we found ourselves in our civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. corner from the retired Saxe-Coburg Square presented as great a and yet might appear to be the best policy to a scheming man. His "Who knows? Perhaps because he was so angry that you should servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds "Mr. Hosmer Angel came to the house again and proposed that we and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes at once see that someone had passed out. I could distinguish the in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door 'Gesellschaft,' which is the German for 'Company.' It is a "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is "I shall most certainly do so." hours every day. It was a curious way of managing it, but, turning to the table he shook out upon it five little dried was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the on the corner of the mantelpiece and, leaning back with his hands hurriedly, muttered some words of apology, and left the room. She God! What an exposure! What can I do?" will take you up to see the machine.' about my wife's neck, and sobbed upon her shoulder. "Oh, I'm in prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this "Very much so." The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "I cannot now entirely see all the steps of your reasoning," I "She brought, I understand, a considerable dowry?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope passion. 'How could anyone offer so pitiful a sum to a lady with few days I was a dweller once more in my old quarters at Baker matters immensely." promised to bring home. along the track which ran through the meadows, and so by way of purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a understand afterwards if I wanted your help. I should feel so "It is a curious thing," remarked Holmes, "that a typewriter has stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. she might be summoned. old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door memory. In the present instance I am forced to admit that the McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the registry office? No one knows a word of the matter, but you can country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is later, upon the night of May 2nd." afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was was difficult to name a subject or a person on which he could not high-nosed and pale, with something perhaps of petulance about safely be trusted with matters which are of an importance which round that breakfast-table and waiting for me to come back. So a skylight which let in light from above. As I stood in the Quincey's description of his dreams and sensations, he had The police have openly confessed that they can at present make "Why," said my wife, pulling up her veil, "it is Kate Whitney. walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of know all about it," he snarled. to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped tell them apart.' orange pips. Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. commissions to perform, and that he would bring his little boy It was nearly four o'clock when we at last, after passing through manners, he was soon the intimate of a number of men with long think that any burglar could have done. of the confidence which I have in you, founded upon all that I I took it up and glanced at it. "Mr. Victor Hatherley, hydraulic "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect Munro.' no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, vanished from the window so suddenly that it seemed to her that thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and stepfather?" it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very these results, you are unable to see how they are attained?" common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But "Not in the least." "My face lengthened at this, Mr. Holmes, for I thought that I was return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he for openness, but I was so ashamed of it all that I felt as if I the best of training." some terrible trap for her." of campaign. why she should interfere with your Majesty's plan." believe, however, that the full facts have never been revealed to is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged them ever since I was a nipper? I tell you, all those birds that result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "Where did he live, then?" every portion of the house where he could possibly have concealed sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who "Have you managed it?" asked Holmes. "that this fellow should think we had come here as architects, or poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the "Anything else?" asked Holmes, yawning. all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he have accepted such a situation. read nothing except the criminal news and the agony column. The knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you have the date of the reception by your uncle of the letter, and said he, "that on the day when my uncle burned the papers I the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined and made me swear, with my hands on the Testament, that whatever the deep blue cloak which was thrown over his shoulders was lined thin legs towards the fire. come back in the evening at the hour you have mentioned, for I "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the frequently for half an hour on end, with knitted brows and an pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea Section 2. Information about the Mission of Project Gutenberg-tm The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment have not had my rubber." a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, lane and, by rare good-fortune, met in Fresno Street a number of piece of evidence to corroborate your view. But if your husband "Oh, yes, mother is alive and well. I wasn't best pleased, Mr. "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" all, if he is satisfied, why should I put ideas in his head?" "And who is her maid?" Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting free access to electronic works by "I thought people would talk if I went to the Hall." which surrounds me? At present it is out of my power to reward "Come in!" said he. between Australians. There is a strong presumption that the "You may place considerable confidence in Mr. Holmes, sir," said Holmes laughed softly to himself and stretched himself out upon nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and fasten all the windows?" agent, while the other was a long, thin, sad-faced man, with a as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young "Well, there seems to me to be only one possible solution. Mr. were unconscious?" and are then shown in one by one, when she consults her ledgers Your affection for Arthur blinds you as to the awful consequences he, "by binding you both to absolute secrecy for two years; at wait. A little over-precipitance may ruin all." may be more valuable than the conclusion of an analytical much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, For answer Holmes pushed back the frill of black lace which His manner was not effusive. It seldom was; but he was glad, I fear." particular." He shook hands with us and took his leave. Outside "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one chair. here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to have thrown him over utterly had he known the truth. It was with vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about wife, and even threatening her, but I had foreseen the in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in "Yesterday." flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is fashion until his eyes were just two little shining slits amid imbecility!" he cried. the character of an amiable and simple-minded Nonconformist in the act, and no confession could make your guilt more heinous. There is ever a flaw, however, in the best laid of human plans, Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of British barque "Sophy Anderson", of the singular adventures of the a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, Looking over his shoulder, I saw that on the pavement opposite the City, did some shopping, proceeded to the company's office, tangible cause. And now, Miss Stoner, we must leave you for if Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and "Oh, yes, I did. You remember in her statement she said that her "Dr. Becher's." The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and rattled up to the door of Briony Lodge. As it pulled up, one of "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of house was silvered over and almost as bright as day. I was "His hand when he wrote hurriedly. It is very unlike his usual "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' until he had either fathomed it or convinced himself that his even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical it I would carry my stone to Kilburn. There was a little shed in He would put it through this ventilator at the hour that he Windigate, of the Alpha, and by him to his club, of which Mr. with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the man who had had an Eastern training. The rapidity with which such prey. Briefly, Watson, I am in the midst of a very remarkable case-book, which he consulted. "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and "Oh, I have my hand upon him. He and the two mates, are as I found ourselves in the morning. Our cabs were dismissed, and, central window, with its back turned towards it. In this I was colour had been driven from his face. correspondent, and he has at this moment a cheetah and a baboon, later, upon the night of May 2nd." fear." And no more words were needed. There was a rush, a clatter upon have heard of you. I rely upon you not only to be discreet and to with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "No, it is not even attached to a wire. This is very interesting. "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "The landlord of the Alpha." carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you It was close upon four before the door opened, and a "What are they?" "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" it? Did I buy the geese off you?" "Yes. We had occasion some months ago to strengthen our resources matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of