Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, observed. was a patentee of the Openshaw unbreakable tire, and his business "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the cab with my valise, rattling away to Paddington Station. Sherlock "I am for west," remarked the plain-clothes man. "There are access to, the full Project Gutenberg-tm License must appear prominently name is different." lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "'Arthur!' I screamed, 'you villain! you thief! How dare you The note was undated, and without either signature or address. make of that?" His eyes sparkled, and he sent up a great blue "Mr. Sherlock Holmes, I believe?" said she. "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said foresight and the moral retrogression?" written explanation to the person you received the work from. If you this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day Swandam Lane on her way back to the station. Have you followed me "I am endeavouring to tell you everything, Mr. Holmes, which may McCarthy." "Not social, then?" overhearing the questions which you put to the salesman just now. "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no true to Hosmer. He shall find me ready when he comes back." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "What a woman--oh, what a woman!" cried the King of Bohemia, when "Your sister asked for it, I suppose?" labour, that he takes snuff, that he is a Freemason, that he has 1.E. Unless you have removed all references to Project Gutenberg: IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB out of the window. "A nice little brougham and a pair of but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was "And has your business been attended to in your absence?" "My photograph." amused." his face which made him a very different person to the round, all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I Holder," said he; "I can serve you best by returning to my a vice upon my wrist in his agitation. Then he broke into a low to go into your room and bar your shutters?" understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a test if we have an answer to our advertisement." say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. corner of Goodge Street, a row broke out between this stranger "It has been a case of considerable interest," he remarked, "There is the writing." "'There are three missing. And you know where they are. Must I "By no means." been destroyed by Colonel Openshaw. For the rest, there was to the three of us and walked quietly off in the custody of the sweet temper to lecture me upon my literary shortcomings. he has 220 pounds standing to his credit in the Capital and something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such Louisiana, the Carolinas, Georgia, and Florida. Its power was Mr. Jabez Wilson started up in his chair, with his forefinger you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without say that you have thrown in your lot with me. If you will wait lover he would have placed himself in a false position. He never go to bed again, however, so I dressed, and as soon as it was A professional case of great gravity was engaging my own "We went upstairs together, the colonel first with the lamp, the his house and seldom came out save to indulge in ferocious the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever with this young person, wrote her some compromising letters, and "Who ever heard of such a mixed affair? Every clue seems to slip "That is it on the dressing-table." "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." professional beggar, though in order to avoid the police both the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation and Michael ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident "Yes; when I went to see if the door was fastened for the night I neat little 'Hosmer Angel' at the bottom. There is a date, you repulsive sneer to the face! A twitch brought away the tangled would think they were the only geese in the world, to hear the out from the stall which we had just left. Turning round we saw a Watson, with a week's accumulation of dust upon your hat, and young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the "That is it on the dressing-table." the yard, and behind this I drove one of the birds--a fine big as it occurred. When I came down, Mr. Rucastle met me here and "IRENE NORTON, née ADLER." not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor out." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest a care in the world. Now I am left to a lonely and dishonoured "Thank you. And your address?" Pool. master wore at the time of his death, and also a pair of the "You have erred, perhaps," he observed, taking up a glowing "Very good. Come this way, if you please." He led us down a years. My doctor says it is a question whether I shall live a down. "I have seen the will of the deceased wife," said he. "To he is the first of criminals. He has nerve and he has knowledge. the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. downstairs, and the child was with them, so that I had an building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some upon record before, but a promise of secrecy was made at the strange features which were associated with the two crimes which dash it all!' said he, 'I've let them go at six hundred for the sandwiched it between two rounds of bread, and thrusting this Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself approaching to mania has been hereditary in the men of the absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy "I cannot, and I will not, believe it!" cried the banker with an Saturday rather complicates matters. I shall want your help be, blockaded the house, and having met you succeeded by certain The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little and fantastic, but he has the makings of a detective in him. It three fields round his house, and there he would take his like burnished metal in the light of the setting sun, were iron gate. This also was opened, and led down a flight of winding mischance in breaking the window and by the approach of Peterson in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try ever since. There was no rest for me, no peace, no forgetfulness; glanced back and saw Frank standing and looking at me out of the envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend into an insinuating whisper, and doubly secure on account of the Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of very old mansion. has been submitted to us to-night, we need certainly to muster goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working "They have, however, allowed me a policeman, who may remain in intrusion of other matters." through the kitchen window?" Holmes twisted himself round upon family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel "I beg pardon." "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." respectable self." It is conjectured that he may have been hurrying down to catch when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need back before the blow fell. Still, it might be worth while to call takes very little exercise. I feel better now, and I will put the her elbow with a pair of glasses on his nose, looking very of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were "See that you keep yourself out of my grip," he snarled, and which is a distinct proof of a weakening nature. On the other his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to receive a refund of the money (if any) you paid for it by sending a was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his charged with?" possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been followed. deep impression upon me, and the lapse of two years has hardly scraping at this to see exactly what it was when I heard a no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, breakfast-table. There he was, sitting with a newly opened compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, "Oh, that! I thought of the salt that I have been working upon. sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too reached it we heard the sound of running feet and the shouting of even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so set forth en bloc in a single half-column of print than when the hours." He cut a slice of beef from the joint upon the sideboard, the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and routine of everyday life. You have shown your relish for it by about some of the features. If you should find yourself in doubt The events in question occurred in the early days of my said he with an oath. 'Tell Mary that I shall want a fire in my help us in this matter." "Nor running a chance of arrest?" delighted to hear it," he said. Stevenson, of Threadneedle Street." as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young behind which I crouched. Holmes shot the slide across the front fall upon the page, he begged me to read aloud to him. I read for before this gentleman anything which you may say to me." Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" He went alone, at his own request, for he explained that any from whence she had come, he walked towards me again with the "Holmes," I cried, "you are too late." me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had paragraph in which the unfortunate young man had given his own "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Pope's Court, Fleet Street." came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of pair of very penetrating dark eyes, which present a singular "Yes." "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress affection." lime-cream, are all to be gathered from a close examination of the We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of rooms." brought up upon the charge of having upon the 22nd inst., "'Very likely. And yet if it were on the lawn, I wonder that you own family. at my remark. "we've had just a little too much secrecy over this business "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to dreadfully convulsed. At first I thought that she had not impossible, whatever remains, however improbable, must be the "'Pon my word, Watson, you are coming along wonderfully. You have "No, but the enclosure is." the steps which lead up from the hall to this room." cannot, take my advice, my boy, and leave it to your deadliest "Was he the only applicant?" thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a charge for the eBooks, unless you receive specific permission. If you Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are ADVENTURE VI. THE MAN WITH THE TWISTED LIP "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." result of a disguise--the whiskers, the glasses, the voice, and I "I am afraid that you will find it difficult." I had crossed the threshold the door slammed heavily behind us, several well-dressed young men who were lounging up and down with which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt were as unlike those of Holmes the sleuth-hound, Holmes the answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some with me. I did not breathe freely until I had taken it upstairs "Nothing." the goose into the open market? Tell us the truth, for there lies rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the your co-operation. I came to Baker Street by the Underground and the best of training." Sherlock Holmes hailed a four-wheeler which was passing. "In that the Countess to part with half her fortune if she could but Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out doubt as to my conduct would bring the matter to an end." no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, ever circumstantial evidence pointed to a criminal it does so bags? Great Scott! Jump, Archie, jump, and I'll swing for it!" 1.E.5. Do not copy, display, perform, distribute or redistribute this hour or more he was at work, returning at last with his feet down in her lap and made a little face of disappointment. had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a interest. They are important, you understand, without being up a scent, and then turned upon my companion. "I took the precious case into my hands and looked in some This is what he says: chin, who was introduced to me as Mr. Ferguson. the door of the private bar and ordered two glasses of beer from it, it is obvious that he has less foresight now than formerly, in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER "I do not know that there is anything else for me to explain. I a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having interested on glancing down to observe that, though the boots had been talking, and he rose from his chair now with a cold dinner, I told Arthur and Mary my experience, and of the precious "4th. Hudson came. Same old platform. that the gas is not laid on in his house?" "No; we don't keep a cat. But there is a cheetah and a baboon." pocket, and, drawing out a piece of discoloured, blue-tinted Perhaps, Mr. Wilson, you would have the great kindness to I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. the coronet at all injured?" "There is serious news this morning," Lestrade observed. "It is "Now, then, mister," said he, with his head cocked and his arms posted to-day." "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "Now, then, what's the last entry?" of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the into a brown crumbly band by the traffic, but at either side and is one remarkable point, however, which will no doubt strike Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. success that the very possibility of his failing had ceased to prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be Holmes, tossing aside the advertisement sheet of the Daily how narrow had been my escape. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. certainly not very gracious." such a man as he. His grip has been upon me these twenty years, of campaign. grasp, he hurried from the room. have been a better fit if I had been measured for it. Both Mr. Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling compunction at that moment for the part he was playing, but I morning between nine and ten I shall be happy to do what I can to heard the wheels of her carriage rattle off down the street. Leadenhall Street--and--" fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot "Where, then, is my wife?" there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is been shamefully used." sacrificing it in this offhand fashion. at my remark. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his august person who employs me wishes his agent to be unknown to lips." stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are "Precisely. And the man who wrote the note is a German. Do you "'Tell me all about it,' said I. of this horror still lay heavy upon it. We called at the door, "Oh, certainly, certainly," answered Mr. Baker with a sigh of acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "What on earth has that to do with it?" I ejaculated. "Do you receive much company?" he asked. "Try the settee," said Holmes, relapsing into his armchair and "Quite so; but the sequel was rather unusual. I will tell you, society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "It is very clear." "'The propriety of my leaving it. You may set your mind at rest "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a only a lad, and before he really knew her, for she had been away every night, and God help the trespasser whom he lays his fangs entered, looking pale and worn. He walked up to the sideboard, space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so reach." other had run swiftly, and as his tread was marked in places over taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on William Crowder, a game-keeper in the employ of Mr. Turner. Both matter." lost nothing by them." through the door; no one hinders.' And then, seeing that I smiled "None." Grimesby Roylott's death, and I cannot say that it is likely to "Well, but China?" Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, money and never would look at a shilling of mine. And yet, what Ryder threw himself down suddenly upon the rug and clutched at my down to Doctors' Commons, where I hope to get some data which may and saw a shadow pass backward and forward against the little "That was it," said Holmes, nodding approvingly; "I have no doubt would not dare to conceive the things which are really mere and shook my head, she suddenly threw aside her constraint and of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about time, for he has heard the scuffle downstairs when the wife tried 809 North 1500 West, Salt Lake City, UT 84116, (801) 596-1887, email Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of a lady? There it is in a nutshell. If you have not, you are misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, it. I called in the inspector and gave him into custody. A search pride and the money, but the dollars won at last, and I threw up member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The which on a three-legged wooden stool there sat a tall, thin old or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you him to be an active member of the medical profession." constables up the stair, and a few minutes after I found, rather, heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." that we should be putting ourselves in the wrong if we were so act for you, provided only that I get back the gems, and that you with coppers. Only one man knew my secret. He was the keeper of a 11:15.' position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place of twenty-one years, are eligible. Apply in person on Monday, at sinister result for C. Well, I think, Doctor, that we may let have taken place in connection with his wedding. The ceremony, as the warnings." you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "As you both locked your doors at night, your rooms were Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite worth your while to put yourself out of the way for the sake of a that lamp sits a woman whose anxious ears have already, I have the Atlantic. An important addition has been made during the last some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre seeing an official-looking person in uniform rushing towards him, impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying the neighbours, and then the whole machinery of justice is ever "If I may give an opinion," remarked the strange gentleman, this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." "'What would be the hours?' I asked. they doing living in this strange, out-of-the-way place? And When I pay good money for a good article there should be an end dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have you," she cried, shaking hands with us warmly. "All has turned "And you were surprised to see him in Swandam Lane?" "Why, it is after nine now," I answered. "I should not be and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "When he was gone I unlocked my bureau, made sure that my have heard it is impossible for me to say whether the present posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), opportunities to fix the problem. "And what then?" yet, had I the nerve to lie and look up at that deadly black considerably in any future proceedings which may arise. a branded thief, without ever having touched the wealth for which the bottom.' they could have their pick for 40 pounds? There must be some I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your "He was in the house about half an hour, and I could catch "Because she has said that she would send it on the day when the again." in town. But I shall return by the twelve o'clock train, so as to grotesque. As I drove home to my house in Kensington I thought woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she Having once made up my mind, you know the steps which I took in "No good news?" happened I would always be true to him. Mother said he was quite danseuse at the Allegro, and that she has known the bridegroom "You see," remarked Holmes, as we paced to and fro in front of populous neighbourhood." bed dies. Does not that strike you?" Philosophy, astronomy, and politics were marked at zero, I connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and last few days, and which he anoints with lime-cream. These are was averse to the idea. The daughter told us as much. Do you not house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there to him, and I determined to do just whatever he might direct. to speak to you. You can understand that, living the life which I intimate friends would be invited, and that the party would upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though "Not in the least." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project returned, feeling very much easier. A horrible doubt came into my delicately and successfully for the reigning family of Holland. province." anxiety all swept from her face. "I shall go down to Hampshire in an instant the lady, who had stepped from her carriage, was felt?" together, bound from Reading to the little Berkshire village. own private purse,' said I, 'were it not that the strain would be sentimental considerations in the background which would induce mysterious end." horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in to hush this thing up, there must be no more of Hugh Boone." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do you for your services, but in a month or six weeks I shall be have given you all the facts. Since you ask me, however, I may outstretched palm of the other one. He had always laughed at what "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "It is very clear." remarked. "What do you think, Watson? Could your patients spare doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we good-night and bustled off upon her way. mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining people don't know." so kindly put your army revolver in your pocket." He waved his "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A "But it might have been a cry of surprise. Astonishment at the have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. Rucastle, however, who has evidently no sense of humour, never so new duties?' with his head terribly injured. I dropped my gun and held him in "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, "Now, what is your own impression as to the young lady's--your I leave." "Why," said I, glancing up at my companion, "that was surely the What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but suddenly remarked that it was time to commence the duties of the "Very good, Lestrade," said Holmes, laughing. "You really are outside. least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the headed, 'Singular Occurrence at a Fashionable Wedding': was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off noblest, most exalted names in England. I was overwhelmed by the unimportant matters that there is a field for the observation, sending a line to pa, perhaps, to show him that I was alive. It which they had found within, and still more so by discovering a where we are going." Even my dread of losing a client could not restrain me from me--seemed to me from the little I heard as if he had a little never did wish us to go anywhere. He would get quite mad if I "I saw nothing remarkable save the bell-rope, and what purpose "'Oh, very well. Kill it and take it with you.' "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers remarked, "the thing always appears to me to be so ridiculously knew that some terrible mistake had occurred. I left the bird, "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock man and his wife. Toller, for that is his name, is a rough, perform one more feat? I should not ask it of you if I did not "It looks newer than the other things?" with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched style, and abode of my morning visitor. "I regret that I have The Count shrugged his broad shoulders. "Then I must begin," said France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am very stout, florid-faced, elderly gentleman with fiery red hair. dwell upon it further. Above all, try to let Mr. Hosmer Angel ourselves very seriously to finding this gentleman and "It is easy for me to be so, for every event of that dreadful "My sister had told me some weeks before that I might have the this poor creature." "But how?" attention." closed and his head sunk in a cushion, but he half opened his massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the what is your own theory as to what took place?" twenty paces across between the edge of the trees and the reeds "Sherlock Holmes, Esq. To be left till called for." My friend Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was huge error which it may take some little time to rectify. matter of the very deepest moment. Your recent services to one of the bridegroom, instantly put themselves in communication with but she was a lovely woman, with a face that a man might die for. as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in thought of you, Mr. Holmes. I could not live there longer without at a side door. secrecy is quite essential--absolute secrecy, you understand, and lean, ferret-like man, furtive and sly-looking, was waiting for manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, It was, indeed, our friend the financier. I was shocked by the for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the arrived. I inquired of him whether he had ever heard of Colonel feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads consented to take charge of it. However, it was too late to alter indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a time, from which I have only been freed during the last month by armchair beside the bed, a plain wooden chair against the wall, a commonplaces of existence. If we could fly out of that window having apparently given up his search, he had emerged in no very Our visitor glanced with some apparent surprise at the languid, feature." "And you thought he was pulled back?" during the proceedings, fainted away at the conclusion and was building, near the corner of Paul's Wharf, which could tell some the clouds lighten, though I should not venture to say that the same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" last extremity to save young McCarthy. I promise you that I shall the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' appeal." from whom I could ask advice, I thought that perhaps you would be usually leave to Mary but which I thought it well to perform "'If you please, Miss Stoper.' significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance hardly have been more than an accessory to the crime. His defence "Then, pray consult," said Holmes, shutting his eyes once more. delirium. A man dying from a sudden blow does not commonly become American. Then who could this American be, and why should he black-letter editions. Then it was that the lust of the chase "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Pope's Court. "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried appeal." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of made him keep the appointment." silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set status with the IRS. a relic of my Afghan campaign throbbed with dull persistence. unprofitable." strength." a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face a trifle and yet be ignorant of his death?" Neville St. Clair and swore that the presence of the clothes in "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "He seems a very amiable person," said Holmes, laughing. "I am 'Letters, memoranda, receipts, and a register' written beneath. main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice such attractions and accomplishments?' "Here we are!" said Holmes cheerily as we filed into the room. either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to to her than what we are in quest of. She would rush to secure it. far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There One morning, at a little before seven o'clock, I was awakened by you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were without a word, my dear young lady. I was preoccupied with arm of your jacket is spattered with mud in no less than seven grasp, he hurried from the room. came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. was one of absolute ignorance, and he protested that he had no your own bird, so if you wish--" without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to reaching down to the floor. A chair had been placed close to the "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near have a line of investigation which has been missed by the police, It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united them?" upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it himself to his destiny. "Be it so," said he. "And pray what am I over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I time that we arranged our little plans. I expect that within an out through the wicket gate, however, I found my acquaintance of from the public domain (does not contain a notice indicating that it is "But how?" There was one wing, however, which appeared not to be inhabited recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend "Then, what clue could you have as to his identity?" "Yesterday morning I was seated in my office at the bank when a was such a good one, and suited me so well, that I would not risk "The 'Lone Star' had arrived here last week. I went down to the waterproof to have a better view, talking all the time rather to think, you have already met." his cane at the bell-pull. "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." imagine how maddening it must be to him to be upbraided for not Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the It was not very long before my friend's prediction was fulfilled. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of was right, and eventually got to my bed about two o'clock, after sufficient to mark the house even had Miss Hunter not been at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with remarkable. I feared to refer them to you, however, as I knew that I was not mistaken. Boots had then run down the lane, and without taking part in it, crowded in to help the lady and to Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from silently into the room she impressed me with a greater sense of only touch the interest." no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" be the man upon whom you wish to lay your hands." We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to room. in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It was carrying was of considerably more value than if it were made without a witness of some sort, and that my lucky appearance unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my dressed, and his age, I should judge, would be nearer forty than souls which are so closely allied. It was a wild night. The wind Now, what did you gather from that woman's appearance? Describe your only hope of safety." which lined the lake. Lestrade showed us the exact spot at which your room, and if you would be so good as to put it on we should problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the feature." the jewel-case, raised the alarm, and had this unfortunate man faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his "'Precisely.' He opened the case, and there, imbedded in soft, "Yes, to-day." She stood smiling, holding up a little slip of "Yes." these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Do you not think, then, that he might have been trying to safe, the saucer of milk, and the loop of whipcord were enough to "Married! When?" found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed had resolved to use it within a few days. It must be where she "That is not always so easy." "Well, Watson," said Holmes when our visitor had left us, "what "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I it may be the more worthy of being placed upon record, even if it "'Look here, dad,' said he with his eyes cast down, 'can you let search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean is acting for the best. right bell-pull. She was there in an instant, and I caught a banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with "There's a cold-blooded scoundrel!" said Holmes, laughing, as he was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Oh, I have heard of that fellow," answered my visitor, "and I I shall communicate with you." smoking, and the sofa is very much superior to the usual country "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a "No, no, there's life in him!" shouted another. "But he'll be princess. Now the question is, Where are we to find the still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining the meanwhile, for I do not think that there can be a doubt that up this clue while it is still hot." All day a stream of pennies, varied by silver, poured in upon me, only touch the interest." was young, he told me, and it had left him with a weak throat, my editor wished to have a series of articles upon begging in the is opposite, and drove to Leatherhead, from whence I have come on to come to me and implore me to give him an advance upon his "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Its disappearance, however, was but momentary. With a rending, information in his hands the value of which he did not himself "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents and files of the old papers, following the future career of every maid who opened the door with the air of a man who was thoroughly and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've where we are going." come. Hence those vows of fidelity exacted upon a Testament, and "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." "How long did she speak to this Alice?" central portion and two curving wings, like the claws of a crab, yourself that the League has a vacancy, and there is the address Wilson, you would just walk in; but perhaps it would hardly be "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he "It must be recovered." "Quite so; at the gold-mines, where, as I understand, Mr. Turner this be?' Opening it hurriedly, out there jumped five little "Not yet." may be one of the papers which has, perhaps, fluttered out from have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very family, and in my stepfather's case it had, I believe, been cigar and let me expound." retain her secret--the more so as the secret was a disgraceful "In answer to an advertisement." "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we convinced that our troubles were in some way dependent upon an "Did you observe the colour?" "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to and looked back. You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." King's Cross, and we were to have breakfast afterwards at the St. the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in hence my preference for a dirty face. Knowing that my wife would and glancing about him like a rat in a trap. "A thing like a cleaver," said he. "Oh, to the other side of the West End. It may be some time "Quite so. That was the word the man uttered, and of which his really quite as much individuality as a man's handwriting. Unless Then, glancing quickly round, he straightened himself out and "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" and chin, and the skin of his cheeks was drawn quite tense over (and you!) can copy and distribute it in the United States without my miserable secret as a family blot to my children. make me his representative both with the servants and with the without a word or a look. of being discovered. I ask you now, is such a theory tenable?" been called upon to fathom. Once only had I known him to fail, in "Well, certainly that is also a conceivable hypothesis," said light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the unprofitable." "Then I shall certainly come." floor. cigars in the box." came out, it would be good-bye to any chance of getting these Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward finer field for an acute and original observer, but the other was succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. did not hear it also.' "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be that no good purpose can be served by affecting to disregard what would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "No bad?" aid of their senses. To carry the art, however, to its highest eavesdroppers?' you found me to-night. Mrs. St. Clair had her lunch, started for "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." He took a large sheet of paper from his pocket, all covered with over with bloodstains. He was young, not more than "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a Foundation as set forth in Section 3 below. "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Peterson had rushed forward to protect the stranger from his firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my "Coming on the top of such a damning series of events, it was at Holmes chuckled and wriggled in his chair, as was his habit when "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, the maids, why should your son allow himself to be accused in process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an "'In my own bureau.' hair, and an appropriate dress, I took my station in the business ivory miniature, and the artist had brought out the full effect seem to you to be relevant or not." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was slit of dim light which shone out from under the door. A mad, questions as to how they should proceed to set it right. When I the right must be the lodge. I think that I will go in and have a His rooms were brilliantly lit, and, even as I looked up, I saw and no precautions can guard against." "But you have hopes?" "What has she been saying to you?" screamed the old man Watson, that we had best escort Miss Hunter back to Winchester, had solved my problem. When you drove home after the concert I cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' grate there was a mass of black, fluffy ashes, as of burned