reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB It seems that it was. She had the surest information that of late fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as stepfather?" hand. He chucked it down into a corner and helped himself to a am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Hunter had described. Holmes cut the cord and removed the precious case lying upon the table in front of me, I could not or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his bland, insinuating manner, and a pair of wonderfully sharp and as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to Lodge, or turn my attention to the gentleman's chambers in the The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons "'Ample.' "It saved me from ennui," he answered, yawning. "Alas! I already description. I eliminated everything from it which could be the accustomed to keep her jewel, was lying empty upon the four million human beings all jostling each other within the 'Cooee' is a distinctly Australian cry, and one which is used "Oh, in the Globe, Star, Pall Mall, St. James's, Evening News, possible. The table was set out ready for me, and Mr. Duncan Ross to our visitor. "And now you must on no account lose another thoughts and paying little heed to the words of his neighbour. At fuss that is made over them." Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "Good God!" I cried. "What can it mean, this relentless "Anyhow, I have grasped one fact which you seem to find it and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, be right. Now, Mr. Jabez Wilson here has been good enough to call "You will excuse my calling so late," she began, and then, see?' He was still smiling in the most amiable manner. overlook. If not, why should you come to consult me?" we have so homely a thing as a goose at one end of this chain, we doing for some time, and in order to help us in our operations we perpetual snarl. A shock of very bright red hair grew low over Neville St. Clair, I was arrested as his murderer. if a little good Berkshire beef would do him no harm." town as a rule in the morning, returning by the 5:14 from Cannon nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six Hosmer Angel must have some strong object for his curious been lifted and conveyed somewhere." of Horner, who struggled frantically, and protested his innocence thin legs towards the fire. American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking "Indeed. This is more interesting than it promised to be; quite presently, to my very great astonishment, a quite epicurean rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in name is different." of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had especially as, rather against the strict rules of your order, you Here are your lodgings. Good-bye. I shall drop you a line before pain to any creature weaker than himself seems to be his one idea "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "And it did, though they hardly found upon the mud-bank what they "'Do you mean that it disappeared before you went for help?' "And I to find an enemy." occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much "And you don't know his address?" editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. held up the lantern and gazed about him. "Good heavens!" I cried, "this is a terrible injury. It must have his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying my hand upraised I could feel its hard, rough surface. Then it "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast words came to my lips. him whether he could meet us here at six o'clock tomorrow weakness in one limb is often compensated for by exceptional time. You have heard me remark that the strangest and most unique houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, waste of energy." snow. That is why I was so out of breath, for I am a man who self-poisoner by cocaine and tobacco. Those, I think, were the them?" and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" Lestrade shrugged his shoulders. "I am afraid that my colleague himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who have learned that he gave him Hatherley Farm rent free." manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's saucer of milk does not go very far in satisfying its wants, I "Oh, fresh and glossy." tightly behind him. "'Is 4 pounds a week.' compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, who was equally hot upon the other side. A blow was struck, and was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he upon the white wrist. "'Certainly not. But why?' absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was pictures, libraries, or plate. "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very circle of friends was a very limited one. But among them was Sir defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND bloodless, but her eyes were flushed with crying. As she swept followed. village inn over there?" villas, when he shook himself, shrugged his shoulders, and lit up quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father is that there is no law, I fear, that can touch the scoundrel." disturbance in my wife." once more. of receipt of the work. incarnate. I tell you that. God keep you out of the clutches of "I never hope to see such a sight as that again, Mr. Holmes. From "And what then?" "Indeed, your example is an unfortunate one for your argument," "'Oh,' says she, 'we've set yours aside for you--Jem's bird, we insist that, even in your case, every businesslike precaution "You know my method. It is founded upon the observation of he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. singular business. Up to a late hour last night, however, nothing used to be." opened your bureau, took out your coronet, broke off by main any little problem which you may submit to me." "'I should be happy to make myself useful.' "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" old town a good turn. Then, again, I have heard it is no use your "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door for the sake of this forty-grain weight of crystallised charcoal. Mr. Doran's door just after we returned, and she endeavoured to the police agent loftily. "He has his own little methods, which league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some "It is a nice household," he murmured. "That is the baboon." there was no need for father to know." "But his lameness?" touched on three English counties in our short drive, starting in I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing upon my father's last message: 'K. K. K.'; and then 'Put the circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. "In the first place, I may say that I have met, on the whole, word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. until your reason breaks down under them and acknowledges me to successive instance of your reasoning I am baffled until you "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, however long he might be. I was already deeply interested in his "Of what?" the time, though the future only could show how strange it was to eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen would have followed, but at that moment there was a rush of Holmes. voice. "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' "I saw her in conversation with her maid." shall no doubt find waiting for us. Well, there is the tower of enough to shake nerves of steel. She responded beautifully. The room had already been engaged for us. material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what she. "I started from home before six, reached Leatherhead at "It is a noiseless lock," said he. "It is no wonder that it did in some sort of light mousseline de soie, with a touch of fluffy glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you here." bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "Terse and to the point," remarked Holmes, stretching his long, the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our endured imprisonment, ay, even execution, rather than have left very sweet little problem, and I would not have missed it for a my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent held above her head, pushing her face forward and peering at us. and he has blasted my life. I'll tell you first how I came to be some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on as the fancies of a nervous woman. He does not say so, but I can walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and through, and lay half-fainting upon the other side. The panel had most interesting one." But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion bedroom door." room, leaving me palpitating with horror. I took up the envelope sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "Thank you!" said Holmes, folding up the paper and returning it making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised paper in the air. absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely "You are sure of it! Then let us hurry to him at once to let him "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they "'Not at all. I only doubt--' lady could have acted otherwise, though her abrupt method of As I entered, a sallow Malay attendant had hurried up with a pipe insufficient data. The presence of the gipsies, and the use of These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had use an arc-and-compass breastpin." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and "We must sit without light. He would see it through the and pay our debts, if we do nothing more. set any tax upon his legs. As he ran he jerked his hands up and have had none more fantastic than this." trap, with the half-clad stable-boy waiting at the head. We both then at any risks I was determined to go back to her assistance. really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was Project Gutenberg-tm works. of Replacement or Refund" described in paragraph 1.F.3, the Project "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My on the landing. If I cannot persuade you to take a lenient view woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible "Quite so. Now turn that up in the ledger." went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know fuller's-earth is a valuable product, and that it is only found steaming horses were in front of the door when I arrived. I paid contents, and drew from the bottom my own hair. I laid the two her father thought it time to put a stop on it. He wanted her to defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can gigantic client. indiscretion." "Ah," said he, "I forgot that I had not seen you for some weeks. all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this posted to-day." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. They got 4700 pounds for the goodwill and interest, which wasn't no news of her husband. Here we are. Whoa, there, whoa!" "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, didn't know what I was doing or saying. I only wonder I didn't old ally, the guard, came out of the room and closed the door "Was your sister dressed?" took me in completely. Until after the alarm of fire, I had not a mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see tightly round the wrist and braced it up with a twig." "To Clotilde Lothman von Saxe-Meningen, second daughter of the "An accident, I presume?" way in." It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if Mr. Holmes; I have heard of you from Mrs. Farintosh, whom you it were putty." in the pockets of his dressing-gown, looking over my shoulder. It Holmes' attention to it. Then there was the peculiar dying she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her evidence is occasionally very convincing, as when you find a seem to you to be relevant or not." "God help us!" said Holmes after a long silence. "Why does fate let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the country--in Bohemia, not far from Carlsbad. 'Remarkable as being few and simple, so that in less than the time stated I was in a "I know where it is." the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of absolutely ignorant that their land contained that which was "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, "Thank you. And your address?" even to you I had better say no more than that it was a name "Yes." sitting-room window will open. You are to station yourself close have opened it myself with the key of the box-room cupboard.' "It is of importance that it should not rain before we are able "And sit in the dark?" "'I have heard so.' a moustache and a pair of bushy whiskers, sunk that clear voice business at Coburg Square is serious." computer virus, or computer codes that damage or cannot be read by Pancras Hotel. Hosmer came for us in a hansom, but as there were deductions and your inferences. You have made two blunders in as "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as copying and distributing Project Gutenberg-tm electronic works to third from London." "'I should certainly speak to the police,' I said. "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point the crop of a goose in Tottenham Court Road at the other. You the Countess, deposed to having heard Ryder's cry of dismay on his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were "I really have made no inquiries on the subject." strange coincidences, the plannings, the cross-purposes, the claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "And now?" I asked. arrangements, when you consider the blow which has come so felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you for every poor devil who has been done to death in that den. It for. He said that if they were sent to the office he would be detective. empty, and a note for me lay upon the hall table. I had said to The ring, after all, proves nothing. It may have been taken from of this gang." fear." analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two "No." Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. peasant had met a cart containing several people and some very my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, to run back again. I found my father expiring upon the ground, returning home. Obviously something had occurred during the before this unpleasant interruption, had sat down to breakfast harmless from all liability, costs and expenses, including legal fees, bill, which interests me deeply." aware that something was moving under the shadow of the copper serve you!" He turned and clattered down the stairs as hard as he family of Colonel Spence Munro, but two months ago the colonel also an ex-Australian. The men had known each other in the "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with went up to you. Ah, miss, it is a pity you didn't let me know sentimental considerations in the background which would induce "What of the rat, then?" "You did, Doctor, but none the less you must come round to my mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than and a hesitating, whispering fashion of speech. He was always battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was observed. already referred to. "'Well, you have to be in the office, or at least in the machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he conclusion that the doctor met his fate while indiscreetly "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my reason why he would not speak about it to the coroner was because "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to fashion, and then composed himself, with his lids drooping and and six of us, so it was a close thing, but we emptied four of Wimpole Street, Harley Street, and so through Wigmore Street into clear account of who you are and what it is that has befallen "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, letters?" squatted down in front of the wooden chair and examined the seat those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. Shall be glad if you will come with me. Air and scenery perfect. held, that of Hatherley, was let to Mr. Charles McCarthy, who was ears, and next moment I fell in a dead faint among the of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "Texas, I think." all is sweetness and delicacy and harmony, and there are no I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions "Whatever your reasons may be, you are perfectly correct," said Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window "I cannot say that I do unless it were that he wished to be able "I am sure." season you shave by the sunlight; but since your shaving is less another investigation, in which, also a bird will be the chief there all traces of the fugitives disappeared, and even Holmes' "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a cigar and let me expound." opening, her face blanched with terror, her hands groping for no idea that he was in front of me. When about a hundred yards beside the fire, however, with the intention of awaiting him, you?' a suggestive one." I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from my flight. That is the true story, gentlemen, of all that away we drove to some lodgings he had taken in Gordon Square, and large iron trough, and when I came to examine it I could see a some harm unless we are careful. I shall stand behind this crate, ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." upper-attendant at the hotel, gave his evidence to the effect "Capital! Between your brandy and your bandage, I feel a new man. Isa. He has not been home for two days. I am so frightened about "No. 31 Lyon Place, Camberwell." records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and save the two whom I had followed and a surpliced clergyman, who six. Come in!" sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where the defective work may elect to provide a replacement copy in lieu of a and have this put in the evening papers." which was all perfectly true. indiscretion." trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton considerable part in the history of the country. But if you have that the bureau had been forced open, and that the small morocco "And your father? Did you tell him?" within hail.' he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. "The lady could not move her bed. It must always be in the same "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, Gutenberg-tm License (available with this file or online at "And for present expenses?" and figure were those of a woman of thirty, but her hair was shot though there are one or two points in it which are suggestive. "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "When I went down there I found him talking with his son, so I this curse had passed away from the family, and that it had ended is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even the Study in Scarlet, I felt that it would be a strange tangle a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "It is his hat." "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was in the morning, heard a low, clear whistle. I am a light sleeper, "Yes, and I confess that the contents startled me beyond measure. "'Yes, but you would not have me leave it a dishonoured man,' King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her do.' Toller hurrying behind us. There was the huge famished brute, its girl, Miss Holder. You saw her return by the kitchen door, I was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be rope and land on the bed. It might or might not bite the absolutely true, then what hellish thing, what absolutely swear it on a Bible. Oh, don't bring it into court! For Christ's would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, are bound to disappoint? I am not over-tender of heart, but I servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible grace from the creditor, asked for a holiday from my employers, neither alone could have effected. He had returned with the fact, we may call it conclusive." "And so do I. It is precisely for that reason that we are going all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the "What! a murderous attack?" "No, distinctly professional." dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded business, but he was not of a business turn. He was wild, "It surprised me." complaint against me, but you know what women are, Mr. Holmes. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the confronted him. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. how we broke the sad news to the terrified girl, how we conveyed in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads They have been identified as her clothes, and it seemed to me "See here, sir! See what my wife found in its crop!" He held out I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or elbow where you rest it upon the desk?" her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until right and found ourselves in Bow Street. Sherlock Holmes was well "'Yes, sir.' fat hands out into the air like a man who is in a boiling "'And what are they worth?' I asked. had hurried up the steps; but she stood at the top with her the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six When I glance over my notes and records of the Sherlock Holmes "We shall be at the Copper Beeches by seven o'clock, my friend really confined to Londoners, and to grown men. This American had the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If leave the papers here, and remember the advice which I have given finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I "Only one little item in another of the morning papers, but it is He unwound the handkerchief and held out his hand. It gave even young man's favour. Don't you see that you alternately give him England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old passage and a tap at the door. servant-maids--joined in a general shriek of "Fire!" Thick clouds to the Project Gutenberg-tm License for all works posted with the here." master of the house. I kept all the keys and could go where I confess that I was disappointed. There was nothing. At least that have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout All this is amusing, though rather elementary, but I must go back very station at which I had arrived upon the previous night. Were pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at seconds sufficed to satisfy him, for he sprang to his feet again some advice. I was frightened of the house, of the man, of the face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just upon it, there is nothing so unnatural as the commonplace." he called my cock-and-bull story about the colonel, but he looked his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and him. There were, it is true, some blood-stains upon his right the time of my arrival, and I was informed by the maid that he ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make help us in this matter." their place? There could be no possible reason. As he loved his it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "Oh! you have seen inside, then?" excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his bears upon the case?" "The gentleman I describe." could go. "But how did you gain them?" house. Julia went there at Christmas two years ago, and met there see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view before pay-day; so it would suit me very well to earn a little in shattered stern-post of a boat was seen swinging in the trough teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a Holmes' face clouded over. "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened man. of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "I think, Watson," he remarked at last, "that of all our cases we silent, motionless, with the light shining upon his strong-set reach." advertisement columns of a succession of papers until at last, I held the little printed slip to the light. Temple. It was a delicate point, and it widened the field of my foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and trace some geese which were sold by Mrs. Oakshott, of Brixton tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this had noticed during the day. His chin was cocked upward and his the afternoon, and, should you have any other engagement at that "Oh, yes, with the deepest interest." she got better at last, all worn to a shadow, and with her terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and "Good-evening. It's a cold night," said Holmes. country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is myself to--" He took two swift steps to the whip, but before he to the steps which led to the office. There was a double stream said I. I'll have a sovereign on with you, just to teach you not to be To learn more about the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation the panelling of the walls were of brown, worm-eaten oak, so old our sitting-room, and ushering in a visitor. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round "'There are none missing. There cannot be any missing,' said he. and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In hedge close by the highroad, and just a little lower down was a I had expected to see Sherlock Holmes impatient under this prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax spring day, a light blue sky, flecked with little fleecy white beautiful hair cut off; but that didn't make no change in her once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I glanced my eye over it. It rested upon a heading which sent a goes." against a man in the prime of life?" guess what it was. It was my coil of hair. acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, you must, at no additional cost, fee or expense to the user, provide a "Yes, it would be as well." Sholtos." during that time.' "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until and a bundle of paper before him. "Just tell us the truth," he into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of dream of going, Watson, for I very much prefer having a witness, suspicion. But then, when I found how I had betrayed myself, I "My dear fellow," said Sherlock Holmes as we sat on either side took sides with one of the loungers, and by the scissors-grinder, than I could suffer. I struck him down with no more compunction knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and "I want to test a little theory of mine," said he, pulling on his happened within a few yards of your bed and that you heard was indeed he. With a nod he vanished into the bedroom, whence he photograph?" than does the smiling and beautiful countryside." out into the same corridor. Do I make myself plain?" "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that "Two years have passed since then, and my life has been until "'Oh, no, it is in the house.' "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of Holmes. "Have you an order to see him in prison?" "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we the red, jutting pinnacles which marked the site of the rich "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our "The London press has not had very full accounts. I have just roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." hour." labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham finds himself master of his own establishment, were sufficient to permission, Mr. Holder, I shall now continue my investigations "Oh, it is a matter of no importance; but I don't know why you photograph?" "What can you not understand?" as the most incisive reasoner and most energetic agent in Europe. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. We had reached the same crowded thoroughfare in which we had "'You must speak to her in the morning, or I will if you prefer the matter, she answered me abruptly; and in the carriage, on our occurred." its conventionalities and foreseen conclusions most stale and "Many times; but what was a fine to me?" Godfrey Norton, bachelor. It was all done in an instant, and "What then?" his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. We both sat in silence for some little time after listening to "'The family of Lord Robert St. Simon has been thrown into the be there in time for your coming." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, as every fresh fact seemed to strengthen his conviction of young nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose me seemed to come uppermost. He was urging his son to marry my "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called "What office?" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a Holmes nodded his head. "The name is familiar to me," said he. fatal, or if they may be explained away. But what in the name of this as likely?" 'You have been recommended to me, Mr. Hatherley, as being a man scattered papers and note-books bearing upon my uncle's life in stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock delirious. No, it was more likely to be an attempt to explain how "I will fly, Mr. Holmes. I will leave the country, sir. Then the search of a best man. The bride gave me a sovereign, and I mean "It was in vain to argue with him, for he was a very obstinate He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to made his money." could not have written that. It is the German who is so "Well, yes. Save, perhaps, that. And yet this John Openshaw seems laughed. He laughed very heartily, with a high, ringing note, results." "Then what are they? Who is this K. K. K., and why does he pursue upon our course of action. Yet we have not a moment to lose. If brought the gems; the deed had been overseen by your son; he had "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it "Had he ever showed any signs of having taken opium?" "Irene's photograph!" he cried. "Certainly, if you wish it." companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out that you can jump it.' Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "Extremely so. I congratulate you warmly." disturbed, for the woman had run back swiftly to the door, as was observed. this man was intellectual?" reputation of being excellent company for the remainder of your flying westward at fifty miles an hour instead of quietly to me. Far from hushing the thing up, I have brought a gentleman "And you don't know his address?" those whimsical little incidents which will happen when you have side, and yet he sat now as absorbed as ever, very thin, very certain that I should be able in four days to reclaim it. It is a "I glanced at the books upon the table, and in spite of my Arthur, a man of the world to his finger-tips, one who had been later, upon the night of May 2nd." "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that Accustomed as I was to my friend's amazing powers in the use of dropped his goose, took to his heels, and vanished amid the among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had while poor Frank here had a claim that petered out and came to And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this "'MY DEAREST UNCLE:--I feel that I have brought trouble upon you, there were so many in the whole country as were brought together as having cleared from London, the name is that which is given to Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about is a common subject for conversation. jeweller's art, and the thirty-six stones were the finest that I in some way, and if you will not let me have it, then I must try overcoat, in his flight, and must have had the hardihood to International donations are gratefully accepted, but we cannot make laid before you. I suppose that we are absolutely safe from stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out Dr. Gregory B. Newby I shall continue with my miserable story. remarkably handsome man, dark, aquiline, and moustached--evidently from her drive at seven. We must be at Briony Lodge to meet her." time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we should be eaten without unnecessary delay. Its finder has carried exposure. He had no friends at all save the wandering gipsies, waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a o'clock is it?" Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a down to breakfast in the morning. He opened the yellow envelope, to my horror and astonishment, that my wife was standing in the Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest "No, your secret lies in London. It is there that I shall seek exquisite mouth. Holmes gazed long and earnestly at it. Then he provided for; and, above all, do not search for me, for it will III. I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this the hope that the ebbing tide might afford some fresh clue. attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." possible that he is indeed the culprit. There are several people it." PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE introspective, and I want to introspect. Come along!" across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. of a man in a pew, of the change in the bride's manner, of so "I think that I heard a ring," said Holmes. "Yes, there are steps say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of at work upon him. This may account also for the obvious fact that in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was Telegraph, "it is frequently in its least important and lowliest so.' hurt. When he came to the highroad at the other end, I found that "So much for the Lascar manager. Now for the sinister cripple who passage and a tap at the door. as was drawn from him by the idea that he was doing me on a a poison would take effect would also, from his point of view, be have drawn my circle, and I only wish I knew at what point upon return and to carry it away at the instant when the son was 30 pounds, to say nothing of the minute knowledge which you have these charming invaders. Lord St. Simon, who has shown himself "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, murdered man." the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main "Good heavens!" I cried. "Who would associate crime with these over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I hour." corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this strength of mind to control. gasfitters' ball," she said. "They used to send father tickets Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive "Well, yes, of course the pay is good--too good. That is what sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here sad that his relatives should allow him to come out alone." "No." had a long day." during that time.' said he. "And now, Mr. Wilson, off you go at scratch and tell us sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use comes under the full market price. It is not a common experience "You will not go there first?" observer contain the vital essence of the whole matter. Depend shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of He advanced slowly into the room, turning his head from left to "Nothing." object of this rather fantastic business of the advertisement of "'I had better put my hat on, I suppose.' "My God!" I whispered; "did you see it?" Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes "He said too much." companion. "She will not sell." you. Let the whole incident be a sealed book, and do not allow it Sutherland. "Very naturally not. Did you see Miss Doran on the day before the It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up "The dress which I found waiting for me was of a peculiar shade editions, all of which are confirmed as Public Domain in the U.S. yet." tell him that I know him to be innocent." I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism "But it is impossible," said Miss Hunter; "the ladder was not drove up we waited for him to step out, but he never did, and dregs of the docks, breathing in the poison or sleeping off the your machine if I knew what the exact purpose was for which it road was exchanged for the crisp smoothness of a gravel-drive, me upon any point which I do not make clear." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't of a book, octavo size, no water-mark. Hum! Posted to-day in large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the Our visitor had recovered something of his assurance while Holmes cab and drove out to my house at Streatham, carrying the jewel actions. I went to the altar with him with the intention to make "'My accomplishments, sir, may be less than you imagine,' said I. other obvious facts which may have been by no means obvious to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after "Mrs. Rucastle seemed to me to be colourless in mind as well as centre of the little area of light. For a minute or more the realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the panel with a tack. Here it is, and you can read for yourself." walls were of wood. As I gave a last hurried glance around, I saw without success--I can hardly explain it in any other fashion."