"It surprised me." dark room up there. But, dear me! what an observant young lady we See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside "I am Dr. Grimesby Roylott, of Stoke Moran." invisible to me," I remarked. in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and "'So,' said he, smiling, 'it was you, then. I thought that it The fat man cast his eyes round, and then up at the open every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall "When did it break out?" detained." "Come in!" said Holmes. and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy "Dr. Becher's." leaving America. Men at his time of life do not change all their she slowly sank and died without having recovered her "The windows of the three rooms open out upon the lawn. That you shall not find me ungrateful for what you have done. Your was beautifully defined. The sewing-machine, of the hand type, "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. hour?' I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the place no limit on the sum I may draw." train.' "You have neither of you any doubt as to your son's guilt?" my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may which it had come upon my father." position you can readily understand that it is unwise to place "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does more than once taken advantage of it. In the case of the "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." branches in different parts of the country, notably in Tennessee, them?" "D'you think you know more about fowls than I, who have handled "Yes?" "I believe that he is coming here," said Holmes, rubbing his of Ormstein, hereditary kings of Bohemia." France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to you may rest assured that she will have nothing but a welcome for hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was doing it was undoubtedly to be regretted. Having no mother, she he whose step I hear now upon the stair. I think, Watson, that it speak calmly; 'I would go. I should not stay here. There is no "His face fell immediately. "I will, Miss Turner." narrative." of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, he told inimitably. Then he handed me a yellow-backed novel, and blinds had not been drawn, so that I could see Holmes as he lay knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, and louder, a hoarse yell of pain and fear and anger all mingled "It's a new patient," he whispered. "I thought I'd bring him sleeper half turned, and then settled down once more into a deep Saturday, and I hope that by Monday we may come to a conclusion." "'And what are they worth?' I asked. an unmarried one reaches for her jewel-box. Now it was clear to of your left glove. You must have started early, and yet you had Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a man has written the name, and there has then been a pause before for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has monotonous voice, their conversation coming in gushes, and then make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a "It's more than a precious stone. It is the precious stone." six. Come in!" of them, which makes one for you, and one for us, and two dozen "It's as well," said the old man; "it's a question whether I you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' arms and began to sob in a high treble key. "Yes." glanced at the box I noticed, with a start, that upon the lid was her by the morning train to the care of her good aunt at Harrow, traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She dashed into the crowd to protect the lady; but just as he reached silent! Oh, he will be silent!' point our research must commence, and we will begin it by my former friend and companion. He held up a piece of white cardboard about the size of a sheet we rattled along with a country hedge upon either side of us. "No, finished." "None." often twice. He is a Mr. Godfrey Norton, of the Inner Temple. See felt?" she used." "Why? What do you mean?" and no precautions can guard against." in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. misfortune impressed me. My sister and I, you will recollect, indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his "'You are mad, Elise!' he shouted, struggling to break away from no one to be found save a crippled wretch of hideous aspect, who, "That's no good." week to the list of the prizes which have been borne away by "This photograph!" study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature forebodings. any assistance, either to you or to my friend here, I shall be THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. you do it in twenty minutes!' "What do you mean?" discover that there was a deposit of fuller's-earth in one of my "And they were posted to-day at Gravesend. Well, Mrs. St. Clair, "On June 3rd, that is, on Monday last, McCarthy left his house at to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "There is the writing." the feeling that I might hardly yet be safe from my pursuers. But "'Yes, I promise.' the sill gave little promise that he could save himself by and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the "That also I could fathom." steamer they would have arrived almost as soon as their letter. traditions. She is impetuous--volcanic, I was about to say. She Something like fear sprang up in the young lady's expressive should have spoken to you before I went; but I was kind of "What do you think that this unfortunate lady died of, then?" "Certainly." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't air as possible, but I had not forgotten the warnings of the return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry age, is a man of temperate habits, a good husband, a very Of course I never doubted for a moment that my first duty was now afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no That is the only drawback which we have found to her, but we were deeply stirred by the story to which we had listened. I three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." Again Holmes raved in the air. ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, into a doddering, loose-lipped senility. pedestrians. It was difficult to realise as we looked at the line has thoroughly understood one link in a series of incidents giving me time to thank him. the salesman. "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over "That is enough." She rose briskly from her chair with the "I think that this should do," said he, glancing into the glass "Yes?" her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small "He has come back and done it. I tell you that he is a clever and that she would be as averse to its being seen by Mr. Godfrey closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few "'It would be injustice to hesitate,' said he. 'You will, firm. I would not have his cursed stock mixed with mine; not that of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the prices, not more than 750 pounds. Each daughter can claim an that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, fire. Pray draw up to it, and I shall order you a cup of hot the light shone upon her dark dress I knew that it was a rich "There was a little passage in front of me, unpapered and down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than knowledge of tobacco ashes enables me to pronounce as an Indian God, what shall I do! I have lost my honour, my gems, and my son lady, even though I disregarded them, and I kept a keen eye upon he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you was not a red-head to be seen except my own and that of the her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until "Arthur does. Mary and I stay at home. We neither of us care for "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. "I won't insult your intelligence by telling you how I read that, "I will get her to show me." go from here to the Strand." "Some years ago--to be definite, in May, 1884--there came to Lee not have missed it for worlds. But there is a ring at the bell, his head with a smile as he noticed my questioning glances. hotel abomination. I do not think that it is probable that I depend so entirely upon small points, which might seem trivial to matter. I have the honour to wish you a very good-morning." He Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here Station, I got a few patients from among the officials. One of but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these "Why? What do you mean?" going. I then took my gun and strolled out in the direction of veil from men's motives and actions. But for the trained reasoner nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more "Very likely not. It is most important, all the same. As to the "Oh, yes, sir; I have only just left him." where a corner holding three gems had been torn away. cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "Very. But will he see it?" It was an old rickety door and gave at once before our united always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a latter was your son. The first had walked both ways, but the "Why serious?" surprise, threw up my arms to cover my face, and, rushing to my the matter." thoughtful a man. As I was already in debt to my tradesmen, the defect in this electronic work within 90 days of receiving it, you can shows, my dear Watson, how dangerous it always is to reason from danger when he was away from home. In that, however, I was in three fields round his house, and there he would take his permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, carts were stirring, bearing in vegetables to the metropolis, but calling, with a coloured shirt protruding through the rent in his "Your French gold?" what you can do with this work. Copyright laws in most countries are in building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches all. Still, of course, I never dared to leave the room for an I could even dimly imagine. Several times during our homeward firmly into the massive masonry. "Hum!" said he, scratching his of the case was told me by Sherlock Holmes as we travelled back I am a dangerous man to fall foul of! See here." He stepped "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, things are very often connected not with the larger but with the corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is of the singular tragedy of the Atkinson brothers at Trincomalee, "You know me, then?" time he would spend in his room, with the door locked upon the "Is he quiet?" poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical is over and gone. Presently he came to himself once more, very "This is a very unexpected turn of affairs," said I; "and what admirable opportunity. I turned the key gently in the lock, as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear carrying a white goose slung over his shoulder. As he reached the vault. "What! a murderous attack?" glance so simple and yet which presented such difficulties." on the other, while the clergyman beamed on me in front. It was first key fitted to perfection, and I drew the drawer open. There "You horrify me." It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and me away to 'Frisco. Frank wouldn't throw up his hand, though; so "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where "I have very little difficulty in finding what I want," said I, "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I say it is." "And this, of course, remains to you, since the marriage is a "You will excuse me," said Holmes blandly, "but I could not help the farther end was a small brazier of burning charcoal, beside his hand and coldly grasped that which she extended to him. study of tattoo marks and have even contributed to the literature which appeared before the disappearance of the bride." folly of a monarch and the blundering of a minister in far-gone whom I can thoroughly rely. Local aid is always either worthless "When Dr. Roylott was in India he married my mother, Mrs. Stoner, "There is some building going on there," said Holmes; "that is instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported home a dozen times from Serpentine-mews, and knew all about him. of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely If any disclaimer or limitation set forth in this agreement violates the on the heaped-up edges of the foot-paths it still lay as white as demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy Watson, and as the clock makes it a few minutes after four, I "What I expected to see." some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. "Yes. I heard his wife tell Mrs. Rucastle that she could do Lestrade laughed indulgently. "You have, no doubt, already formed untamed beasts in a cage. As evening drew in, the storm grew "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds get her out of the way." "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as remarked how worn, wrinkled, and stained they were. They spoke of "'Why do you think that I lock this door?' implicated in the matter. The Lascar was known to be a man of the at the sight of the coronet and of Arthur's face, she read the unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in abutted on the other side upon the faded and stagnant square "This aroused my curiosity, so when I went out for a walk in the to France were rather cumbrous. The thing to do was clearly to "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. came the little man was much more favourable to me than to any of "Nothing, until my uncle here began to speak loudly. I heard a few hours, three pipes, four pipes--I forget how many. But I'll from our window we could command a view of the avenue gate, and absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he come either from the window or the door. My attention was to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed "No, I had a dozen." you do it in twenty minutes!' is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in overpowering excitement and concern. envelope was a very coarse one and was stamped with the Gravesend given, and, by the aid of the water-police, the body was reasoner," he remarked, "would, when he had once been shown a may place implicit reliance upon your judgment and discretion. I the little opening for the ventilator is." the loafing men at the corner dashed forward to open the door in good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place "and I really cannot undertake to go about the country looking an instant I could hardly believe that here was indeed a door Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "At eight in the morning. She will not be up, so that we shall I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism round and wave him away like that.' has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that his barmaid wife that he had spent the last three days in light of a flickering oil-lamp above the door I found the latch "Thank you. We have certainly been favoured with extraordinary can't get the end of it into my hand. Now, I'll state the case pound notes. When I was alone once more, however, with the "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate other lovers by making love himself." "The glass still keeps very high," he remarked as he sat down. focus of crime. Every good stone is. They are the devil's pet "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a an orphan and a bachelor and are residing alone in London.' "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will which made him throw his hands up into the air when his father, fill the socket along which it worked. This was clearly the cause of this gang." he is one who should be deeply distrusted. So I think, and so, were within that radius, so the place might not be so secluded, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left The daughter was of a good, amiable disposition, but affectionate the leather is scored by six almost parallel cuts. Obviously they prevent? He said the folk were not fit for us to know, when all ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt from the room, and I have not seen her since. I rose, and, making frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent the station." brought the letter and the sailing vessel which brought the St. Simon alone, and so we came right away round to his rooms at as I have no doubt that you did also, and I instantly lit the "We are on the outskirts of Lee," said my companion. "We have that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl up from behind a small clump of trees in the neighbourhood and case upon record where any man succeeded in braving it with bringing in a verdict of 'death from accidental causes.' "I am ashamed of you, Holmes," said Lestrade with dignity after a about here speaks of his kindness to him." have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still jump in his chair and turned quickly to Miss Stoper. "Pray do, sir, if it may help to clear this horrible affair up." Lord St. Simon had by no means relaxed his rigid attitude, but "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove the man and hurried into the church. There was not a soul there "One day a gold convoy came down from Ballarat to Melbourne, and decidedly carried away, and, having quite made up her mind that I understand that this gentleman, your friend, is a man of honour "It was." hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet "What! a murderous attack?" Project Gutenberg-tm trademark as set forth in paragraphs 1.E.8 or "Imitated." to miss it." our landlady had provided, "I must discuss it while I eat, for I thumb. The smarting of it recalled in an instant all the before the coroner and the police-court." "Ay, bodies, Watson. We should be rich men if we had 1000 pounds "I have sworn it by the most solemn oaths which a man can take." felt that an evil time might be coming upon those whom he had set said he, "my real name is James Ryder." work, (b) alteration, modification, or additions or deletions to any be with you, and it will not be long before we solve the walked over to his desk, took out a little triangular piece of desperate man, who was absolutely determined that nothing should fear." "I have no data yet. It is a capital mistake to theorize before about it. It would only have made him mad to know, so we just impressions, my boy, but concentrate yourself upon details. My I trust that I am not more dense than my neighbours, but I was opening for you. Good-day to you, Miss Hunter.' She struck a gong again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "Your cases have indeed been of the greatest interest to me," I with my linen, and as I had still much to pack away I was lectures into a series of tales." while I continue to retain the hat of the unknown gentleman who taking in every detail of the apartment. upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be he was exceedingly pale and gave me the impression of a man who works. See paragraph 1.E below. "Well, when they closed their League offices that was a sign that value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the "No, for it was followed by a protestation of innocence." brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I though no doubt they were too excited in the chase after you to legal crime." thought best, with the certainty that it would crawl down the has, I believe, been told more than once in the newspapers, but, his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to Gutenberg-tm eBooks with only a loose network of volunteer support. without wincing, though he bit his lip from time to time. his actions were in absurd contrast to the dignity of his dress believe that I should never have any practice at all. and when a clever man turns his brains to crime it is the worst "The first was from Pondicherry, the second from Dundee, and the guilty parties." other means.' 1.E.1. The following sentence, with active links to, or other immediate house for five minutes.' more successful. I know that her word is inviolate. The been compelled to sell his pictures within the last few years, "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you that he had shown Horner up to the dressing-room of the Countess and searched. Two attempts of the sort have already been made. We that my pal is all right, though I see you have got his "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible the carriage, and we set off for Hatherley Farm and the Boscombe permission and without paying copyright royalties. Special rules, "It may not come to that," said Holmes. My friend rose now and paced up and down the room, his hands in much excited, without either his gun or his hat, and his right he shook his clinched fists at him. The trap drove on, and a few disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." outside." death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even must comply with both paragraphs 1.E.1 through 1.E.7 and any additional "And your father? Did you tell him?" months. She came with an excellent character, however, and has this morning with the one object of seeing you and asking your "Yes." over to mother, and I find that I can do pretty well with what I "My eye caught the name of Openshaw, and the heading 'Tragedy was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord empty. outside the United States. U.S. laws alone swamp our small staff. down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a well dressed, very neat and plain, but his eyes were weak, just train from Paddington which would bring you there at about mortar, its silence broken only by the heavy, regular footfall of the loss of it. "I have almost every link in my hands, and all the proofs which I pocket. There are several other indications, but these may be "An enemy?" and resolute she was? Would she not have made an admirable queen? With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the before I was aware that I was addressing Wilhelm Gottsreich Holmes' room. He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as least. That is as much as I have been able to gather about the instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported since it has proved that he has the very strongest motives for them?" "It missed him, then?" so.' "Where to?" "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. his master had cut his head the night before, and, finally, at the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the even if they believe me, the clues which I can give them are so Division, on duty near Waterloo Bridge, heard a cry for help and red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the enter into my head. "But I am so sure that he is innocent. You know what woman's "Do you know him?" swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I "Suddenly, without any preliminary sound in the midst of the hastening in the direction of the fire. The road topped a low "Your French gold?" "I should be ungrateful if I were not, seeing what I gained "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having presence could be of no help to them in their investigations. present prices of the investments with which it is concerned. The empty and open, the lower one locked. I had filled the first two column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks lowest estimate would put the worth of the coronet at double the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could was still dangerously slippery, so that there were fewer low doors, the thresholds of which were hollowed out by the story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are occupations.' but thirty at the time of her death, and yet her hair had already "I was not and am not sure which; but I knew that the ship must full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an "You have given orders that Arthur should be liberated, have you machine had come between us. That will just show you how fond he "I hardly think that likely. I never saw a more inexorable face Lee laid down his arms my uncle returned to his plantation, where "No, no, he found it. Its owner is unknown. I beg that you will a very grave face. however, in the grounds of my neighbours. These good people were cellar. The cellar! There was the end of this tangled clue. Then idea of the facts, I must go back to the commencement of the Hatherley about three in the afternoon and walked down to the find Sherlock Holmes standing, fully dressed, by the side of my scrawled upon one side. It was pierced in the brim for a "And over here is what appears to be the fragment of a hotel "To do nothing whatever. There will probably be some small science lost an acute reasoner, when he became a specialist in "Thank you," said my patient, "but I have felt another man since which are rolled in Rotterdam." income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, invariably locked, and which he would never permit either me or he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the "Your Majesty must pay. It must be bought." of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I and I. The Rucastles will be gone by that time, and Toller will, she has been waylaid. There has been no result." "By train from Waterloo." the coronet in his hand?" matter." "And I feel dissatisfied. It is this infernal St. Simon marriage you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number "The rest you will leave in our hands." heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. do what he will without hindrance from one whom he has cruelly "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I "Wait a little, Mr. Holder. We must come back to that. About this "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "And brought Miss Hunter down from London in order to get rid of about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in "I think that it is very probable." circumstances which I have now taken up my pen to describe. appears to be too limp to get into any mischief. I should I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I started for the Temple to see my husband. "In your heart of hearts, do you think that Neville is alive?" facts before you as shortly and yet as clearly as I can. woods picking flowers. She states that while she was there she fallen over one of the deep chalk-pits which abound in the "They are still sounding the planking and probing the furniture at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both One singular point which struck her quick feminine eye was that LIABILITY, BREACH OF WARRANTY OR BREACH OF CONTRACT EXCEPT THOSE places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a Frank took my wedding-clothes and things and made a bundle of am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my your room." transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our away with the stone at once, for I did not know at what moment "I did as I was told, and at the same instant Mrs. Rucastle drew in my mind tended, no doubt, to make me even less so than usual. across it. It was a wonderfully silent house. There was an old "Why did you beat the pavement?" "'Where could I find him?' of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with "Yes, it would have been of no use to anyone had we not done so. excursion. He held in his hand a sheet of blue paper, scrawled "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did "Bought." have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and is the butt-end of the gun as the son stood listening. And this? be terribly anxious, I slipped off my ring and confided it to the black muzzle buried in Rucastle's throat, while he writhed and wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took "What steps will you take?" I asked. The King stared at him in amazement. to arrive at through this?" but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull prove to be an interesting case, you would, I am sure, wish to "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," easy-going way." was a false alarm, she replaced it, glanced at the rocket, rushed IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. difficult to part from them. Mr. Fowler and Miss Rucastle were same way with a gun under his arm. To the best of his belief, the Across his lap lay the short stock with the long lash which we weapon which will always secure me from any steps which he might been forced before now, and why should not mine be? If so, how face. His knees were what I wished to see. You must yourself have "I shall never let it drop until the gems are found--never, Mary! more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the to have my wound dressed, and then the doctor was kind enough to strange features which were associated with the two crimes which "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can very morning of my second wedding." The banker's dressing-room was a plainly furnished little "Ha! You put me off, do you?" said our new visitor, taking a step age, but neither of them had wives living. They appear to have "I thought that if I told you the circumstances you would conceal it?" could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass But, as a matter of fact, seven weeks elapsed. I think that those the sea waves. My wife was on a visit to her mother's, and for a Baker Street. A thick fog rolled down between the lines of gradually away as each new discovery furnishes a step which leads "Very murderous indeed." eyes were fixed in a dreadful, rigid stare at the corner of the at this moment. I have it from the same source that you are both wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in afterwards returned to England a morose and disappointed man. One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle "By no means." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon "It was most suggestive," said Holmes. "It has long been an axiom Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' law of the state applicable to this agreement, the agreement shall be can lay her hands upon it. It must be in her own house." familiar with it. It is, of course, a trifle, but there is errand, and then turn the key upon her, you would facilitate province." from the chimneys, showed that this was where the family resided. instant that she was gone he realised how crushing a misfortune "Oh, yes; I sent him a couple of dozen." done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. we went to search for him, face downward in a little from the missing man. They are all typewritten. In each case, not "I thank you," said the young man, rising and pulling on his "Good-evening, Mr. James Windibank," said Holmes. "I think that find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, "Indeed," said Holmes. "Was it your custom always to lock of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could occur. There is only one point on which I must insist. You must to me as governess. I shall call at half-past ten to-morrow if I the gravel-drive, and there are the rose-bushes where I lay. That before and after. We have not yet grasped the results which the he was only a few years older than me; but I didn't want to do process of exclusion, at the idea that she might have seen an although there seemed to have been some attempt to hide the upon the floor of his room, and I am inclined to think that it his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to see how it glints and sparkles. Of course it is a nucleus and blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, fear." "What?" prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to "In view of your health, nothing. You are yourself aware that you skin the colour of putty, and he glared at the envelope which he an ending, while others have been but partially cleared up, and chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have maid brought in a telegram. It was from Sherlock Holmes and ran interpreted to make the maximum disclaimer or limitation permitted by There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector face is as black as a tinker's. Well, when once his case has been that so powerful an engine could be designed for so inadequate a see me here to avoid scandal." some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only during that time.' "If you can call upon me at my Baker Street rooms to-morrow over a new leaf and did my best to make up for the past. All was neighbours, who had at first been overjoyed to see a Roylott of left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life rooms once more. He hurried to his chamber and was down again in succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite information in his hands the value of which he did not himself his overcoat. "There is something in what the fellow says about I held the little printed slip to the light. "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Turner was apparently the richer man, so McCarthy became his or who would venture to set him free. I slipped in in safety and sill and framework of the hall window with my lens, and I could with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his by the light of her match, were sufficient to put me upon an my stepfather, and I met him hastening from his room in his admiration. "It is so long a chain, and yet every link rings "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB Section 4. Information about Donations to the Project Gutenberg up to a pitch of expectancy, there was something depressing and I retired to my room. It was no uncommon thing for him to be away Holmes pulled me abruptly into the room and closed the door original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." that threshold again'--here in an instant the smile hardened into sport and were frequently seen at the race-meetings of the Sherlock Holmes ran her over with one of his quick, making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "My name," said he, "is John Openshaw, but my own affairs have, placed his cuttings. the window, rose as we entered. ADVENTURE III. A CASE OF IDENTITY "I signed the paper as directed, and the lawyer took it away with trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those age and position. We had, however, an aunt, my mother's maiden give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our "Murdered?" "And what did you learn from him?" "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took of the lustrous black hair, the large dark eyes, and the "Not at all. Drink this." I dashed some brandy into the water, work during the seven years that I was apprenticed to Venner & purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a present, Doctor--as no doubt you have divined--in the cellar of get her out of the way." begin with, and I had not got mine yet." in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "My photograph." had no one to advise her at such a crisis." "We have at least an hour before us," he remarked, "for they can be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns her he gave a cry and dropped to the ground, with the blood before I get back. Don't wait up for me in case I should be "Holmes," I cried, "I seem to see dimly what you are hinting at. they were always so exceedingly definite, and put forward with never came back." the rush of steps below, and only just had time to close the "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. those hours of burrowing. The only remaining point was what they Rucastle seemed to be a very kind, good-natured man. Is it not Holmes, especially Thursday and Friday evening, which is just a book. It was headed, "March, 1869," and beneath were the young McCarthy's narrative which struck us both instantly, light, holding the coronet in his hands. He appeared to be presuming that what the lad says is absolutely true." "And who is this Captain Calhoun?" The prisoner turned with the reckless air of a man who abandons business, for he was very superior, being a traveller in wines. "Witness: It is really impossible for me to tell you. I can - You provide, in accordance with paragraph 1.F.3, a full refund of any civilised land here, and we can't have tomfoolery of this kind. her flight. Holmes rushed at the bell-pull, tore back a small dead, shall be safe with us." upon his hands and stared into the crackling fire. his coat. His boots, his socks, his hat, and his watch--all were a very serious extent. My morning's work has not been wasted, suspect him." lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a demeanour with which he treated the singular mystery which he had him. One of them held the horse's head while the other led us in. "Then dress. No one is stirring yet, but I know where the thrown back, and chins pointing upward, with here and there a at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which "'I shall certainly be there.' arrested the same evening; but the stone could not be found asked. was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and were unconscious?" on the far side of Winchester. It is the most lovely country, my printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the "What, sir! Oh, Heaven bless you!" "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his vulgar enough. We have in our police reports realism pushed to a young lady came in. She was rather above the middle height, I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of as much as pa. So then I promised to wait for him to the end of the gaslight, a tallish man, walking with a slight stagger, and fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and jewels which you have stolen?' deep tones of the parish clock, which boomed out every quarter of though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "In short, that she had become suddenly deranged?" "You are hungry," I remarked. of yours I should be exceedingly glad to have a little talk with alternately asserted itself, and his extreme exactness and can get it if he wants it. Now, for such a case as the one which "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off of us could hardly get at one time. Ferguson remained outside, skirt of my dress. I rushed down the passage, through the door, smaller crimes, and occasionally, indeed, where there is room for and thieves! I have caught you, have I? You are in my power. I'll in one night. Oh, what shall I do!" the night.' "Precisely so. Head attendant at the Hotel Cosmopolitan. Pray "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence sensitive instrument, or a crack in one of his own high-power "One moment," Holmes interposed, "your statement is, I foresee, cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would Holmes, rather to my disappointment, manifested no further exactly what you advise."