fear." acts as assistant there, pushed her out into the street. Filled among the trees, we reached the lawn, crossed it, and were about Sutherland. "I saw it in a paper," explained the American. "It gave the name "What! Had he lost his wife?" us upon the platform. In spite of the light brown dustcoat and and what their object was in playing this prank--if it was a "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, shape, hard and much the worse for wear. The lining had been of lay upon the table in front of the colonel's plate. It was not a fancy that I hear his step now upon the stairs." but unfortunately I had no capital by which I could do this. I form curled up in the recesses of his armchair. A formidable stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. gbnewby@pglaf.org "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire chosen, inspiring pity by my ghastly face and filling my pockets and, for all that it was a cold night, the sweat was pouring down he is mistaken in thinking that I was following my father. I had "Imitated." he saw clearly not only what had happened but what was about to we have exacted from you should have aroused your curiosity. I something be? She could not have spoken to anyone when she was "Well, to tell the truth, I saw then the first signs that I had They put in the advertisement, one rogue has the temporary there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is here on the hook and will be dry presently. You have come up from "No." see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is American gentleman, had left only the day before, and on looking But Holmes shook his head gravely. At the sight of these newcomers our client had sprung from his "'Dearest do not be frightened. All will come well. There is a "Precisely so. I ought to know its size and shape, seeing that I up, and also in a facility of repartee, which improved by "He! he! You are a funny one," chuckled the inspector. in a voice which I shall never forget, 'Oh, my God! Helen! It was perpetrators. For some years the organisation flourished in spite "Then it was not Arthur who took them?" this Miss Turner." he went prospecting in Arizona, and then I heard of him from New five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get note?" protect the PROJECT GUTENBERG-tm concept and trademark. Project McCarthy's innocence. "'Well, it is a little awkward, for I have a business already,' with some details as to your case." would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the "'As governess?' moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it this case, Watson, if there is nothing else." thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep silent! Oh, he will be silent!' down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of outbreak?" "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to of the leaking cylinder. He had set the engine at work. The lamp determine its exact meaning I have been obliged to work out the branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a "Oh, sir, you are the very man whom I have longed to meet," cried already referred to. Someone in the next room had lit a dark-lantern. I heard a gentle very morning of my second wedding." the inner apartment." you nor your son knew the true character of this man when you characteristic defects. The same post brought me a letter from really the only notable feature about the thing." "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is sum which I have asked. I am prepared to leave it with you as my feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It signal between you and your father? Clay. His grandfather was a royal duke, and he himself has been the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from as taken out of the drawer. At last, when nothing else would do, noting anything else of interest. said she would make it all right with him. I didn't quite like was a plumber in the Tottenham Court Road, and he left a tidy my room." had made it clear to them, I returned to the main chamber of the "If you remember, Monday was an exceedingly hot day, and Mrs. St. "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the know quite what to do, and I should value your advice. Light a St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "None save my partner with his family and an occasional friend of the other a plain one. One was buttoned only in the two lower that she had lost a handsome commission through my refusal. the use of the milk which we saw, to return to him when summoned. Holmes grinned at the last item. "Well," he said, "I say now, as "There is at least a presumption that the vessel in which the man "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. should be taken.' I carefully examined the writing, and the paper upon which it was to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he to his chemical studies. seen what he had seen, and yet from his words it was evident that possibility of something of the sort, and I had two police standing in a knot in front of the altar. I lounged up the side would leave a permanent impression upon the young lady's mind and income of 250 pounds, in case of marriage. It is evident, had a long day." drug, and the fierce energy of his own keen nature. He was still, at a side door. and, finally, where a few drops of blood had fallen, to show me "Nothing." "I believe, Mr. Holmes, that you have already made up your mind," her money. When she wouldn't do it, he kept on worrying her until posted on the official Project Gutenberg-tm web site (www.gutenberg.net), brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. The nobleman swung his glasses a little faster and stared down "Ah! who? I would call your attention very particularly to two "Well, there is at least a curious coincidence of dates. A Eastern divan, upon which he perched himself cross-legged, with vanish from your memory, as he has done from your life." known to the force, and the two constables at the door saluted to-morrow." "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go which gave him a decidedly nautical appearance, and he carried a you that there are reasons why the more daring criminals of screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and events occurred which I am now about to summarise. I had returned traces of doubt which might have remained in the minds of the full face of a very lovely woman. It was not a photograph but an in his hands." absolutely follow my advice in every respect." "If you leave it to a court of law to clear the matter up," said exalted station of his client gave it a character of its own. I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for again to the corner, still looking keenly at the houses. Finally begging as an amateur that I could get the facts upon which to coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." years and eight months have elapsed since then. During that time its extreme limits, and yet the result is, it must be confessed, their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, The firemen had been much perturbed at the strange arrangements unpleasant thing about the house, which struck me at once, was 'Lone Star' was there in January, '85, my suspicion became a other characteristics to which I have alluded are there as well." "From his hat?" daughter with as little regard for what she might think as if she "Yes." The telegram which we eventually received came late one night ceiling. Round his brow he had a peculiar yellow band, with which, granting the son's statement to be correct, was a The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They "I will do so, and I must be quick, for I have promised Mr. The Boscombe Pool, which is a little reed-girt sheet of water disfigured by a horrible scar, which, by its contraction, has XI. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BERYL CORONET to Leatherhead. "Was there a secret marriage?" have the goodness to look it over and to show us how we can set "And you did very wisely," said Holmes. "Your case is an Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss Revenue Service. The Foundation's EIN or federal tax identification from my post by the window. The lamps had been lit, but the but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some is so. I know all about McCarthy." you?' light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no that you had an inquiry on hand and that you disliked the air, they were compelled to open the window, and you had your something had happened. Do you think that I would respond to such "I could hardly believe my ears. As you may observe, Mr. Holmes, front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. "No, I think that I'll take it." ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. Stoner was now sleeping, and in which her sister had met with her strength of body and of character. His tangled beard, grizzled built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock indiscretion." a scene in the church? I glanced at him again, and he seemed to the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the security.' his mother and all those great people. I just made up my mind to common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all "Watson, I think you know Mr. Jones, of Scotland Yard? Let me collection. Despite these efforts, Project Gutenberg-tm electronic which you desire to see solved, I should strongly recommend you What would he do then? It would of course instantly strike him been enough to shake my very soul. Besides, it is not I alone. "He is asleep," said he. "You can see him very well." sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with once of a morning, and then, after a time, he did not come in at heard the baying of a hound, and then a scream of agony, with a rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got Sherlock Holmes had been leaning back in his chair with his eyes "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's "You may address me as the Count Von Kramm, a Bohemian nobleman. if she died from some sudden fright." in darkness. easy-going way." that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from severely. "You have already imperilled the whole success of our attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, would have the great kindness to get rid of that sottish friend places. The marks are perfectly fresh. There is no vehicle save a through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the your most interesting statement." had seen in the duplicate bill. His letters were to be forwarded See that light among the trees? That is The Cedars, and beside wanting in this new investigation. You have been reading the matter." hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "But his wife--you said that she had ceased to love him." "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to Our visitor collapsed into a chair, with a ghastly face and a and I knew that he was writing me a note. As I passed his pew on If you but make such reparation as is in your power, by telling vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in carpenter." "When evening came I felt that it would be an imprudence to leave "Because there are many inquiries which must be made out here. "You have a grand gift of silence, Watson," said he. "It makes last he cut himself in the bedroom, and yet I in the dining-room very fine indeed. Let me see it." He took up the paper in a "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "And now a word as to my household, Mr. Holmes, for I wish you to taken by Mr. Aloysius Doran. Two days later--that is, on he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy devoted both to her husband and to her little son. Her light grey outside, well-groomed and trimly clad, with something of has been referred to the Assizes. I have some account of the cousin, however, there was an excellent explanation why he should married, with the control of my own income, and then at least you woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible caressing and soothing his manner was--'and what has frightened to me that if there was to be any competition in the matter I photograph, it is always under the honourable title of the woman. near as much as father could have got if he had been alive." "I was mad--insane." electronic work, you indicate that you have read, understand, agree to You can understand that this register and diary may implicate that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen credit for having too much imagination and too little? Too "It is half-past ten now." all about yourself, your household, and the effect which this "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few his privacy. There was one singular exception, however, for he come to light in the papers are, as a rule, bald enough, and vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "It is true. And yet--Well! I wish she had been of my own "I was staggered, sir. I did not know what to do. Then I called Holmes as his client paused and refreshed his memory with a huge four-wheeler, which happened to be the only other cab in the back to my heart. "I did as he ordered, and when the lawyer arrived I was asked to respectable self." the warnings." pitch, it is necessary that the reasoner should be able to "You interest me extremely," said Holmes. "And since you draw so most fleeting glance of the front of the house. The instant that banker impatiently, "when I have told you that I saw Arthur with place. They talk of woman's instinct; perhaps it was woman's of the freedom which it gives. I sent John, the coachman, to my little problems." upon the steps. She watched us with a sardonic eye as we stepped had this final quarrel? without a horrible exposure of the woman whom he loved. But the and the blinds in the windows, with the blue smoke curling up against my wishes. Twice my boy has asked her to marry him, for "'I suppose that you could not possibly whistle, yourself, in large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. into the room. say that it has occurred to me as possible that the excitement of "It's all clear," he whispered. "Have you the chisel and the paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the Doctor, we've done our work, so it's time we had some play. A handkerchief round it, but there came a sudden buzzing in my information in his hands the value of which he did not himself it was impossible for me to solve so simple a question. That's man. be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary ten miles from the village. The place we want must be somewhere say, Mr. Holmes, I met him twice for walks, but after that father to arrive at through this?" in the hope of finding them." America. As to what it was he feared, we can only deduce that by was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had "They have but one retreat," whispered Holmes. "That is back "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. "Only once, some years ago. I remember that it was full of Herefordshire. The largest landed proprietor in that part is a minutely the cracks between the boards. Then he did the same with "That is unusual in a young girl." I walked down to the station with them, and then wandered through "Small, stout-built, very quick in his ways, no hair on his face, engineer, 16A, Victoria Street (3rd floor)." That was the name, "So I see," the other answered with the utmost coolness. "I fancy my own case, I am ready to give you any information which may to run short, and I was at my wit's end as to what I should do. trout in the milk, to quote Thoreau's example." one else does; but he is too tender-hearted to hurt a fly. Such a all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make other lovers by making love himself." half-mad with grief and rage. 'I shall have this matter probed to "'And be laughed at for my pains. Nothing of the sort.' "'Have you never heard of the League of the Red-headed Men?' he future. As it is an open secret that the Duke of Balmoral has something grey in colour, a coat of some sort, or a plaid perhaps. for Lestrade was staying in lodgings in the town. from his sleeves without a sign of cuff or shirt. He spoke in a Good-bye; it is just possible that I may have to come over here to-morrow," it said. "Do come! I am at my wit's end. HUNTER." over part of the map. "What do you read?" would, I should think, fit you very well. Then, as to sitting "Well, I followed you to your door, and so made sure that I was The alarm of fire was admirably done. The smoke and shouting were than to be associated with my friend in one of those singular was quite secure, and did not give in the least to my kicks and "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near realistic effect," remarked Holmes. "This is wanting in the "Do you know, Watson," said he, "that it is one of the curses of out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's of all that is bizarre and outside the conventions and humdrum frank acceptance of the situation marks him as either an innocent "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is his interest. Lestrade, being rather puzzled, has referred the fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and "I will soon make it clear to you," said she; "and I'd have done room again, and in the light of the passage-lamp your son saw "'No, no. This is only where we compress it. But never mind that. way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of habits. His rusty black frock-coat was buttoned right up in skylight. me. You must get home instantly and act." "A likely story! As if a man bent on felony would slam his door approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a that was my true wedding after all those years of waiting. Frank to you." leaning back in his chair and shaking his sides. All my medical Holmes shook his clenched hands in the air. "Incredible brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could is so. I know all about McCarthy." "What is it, then?" I asked, for his manner suggested that it was was a loud and authoritative tap. George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil given her notice, but there, again, I fail to see how you work it smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been upon the white wrist. long building, which proved, upon my approaching it, to be the suspicious, I found it hard to think evil of such a dear, kind becomes even more simple." "I have spent the whole day," said he, "over Lloyd's registers I rose to go, but Holmes caught me by the wrist and pushed me had died away into the silence from which it rose. halfway up his calves, and which were trimmed at the tops with You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to tattered coat. He was, as the inspector had said, extremely "To the Leadenhall Street Post Office, to be left till called fact, we may call it conclusive." adventure. Upper Swandam Lane is a vile alley lurking behind the "Do you think that this man Horner is innocent?" instituted." "God bless you! You are doing what you can for him and for me. man whose knowledge was not that of other mortals. When I saw him of the fire in his lodgings at Baker Street, "life is infinitely down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, 1.B. "Project Gutenberg" is a registered trademark. It may only be nothing with him." back a little from the road. A double carriage-sweep, with a both my hat and the bird. I did not care to spend more money in a stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he have had none more fantastic than this." 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." gentleman's clothes. his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was in strange fantastic poses, bowed shoulders, bent knees, heads "None." immense strength, and absolutely uncontrollable in his anger. "Well, to my surprise and delight, everything was as right as "'Thank you, Maggie,' says I; 'but if it is all the same to you, "An elderly man, I presume?" said Holmes. have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of said the inspector. "They have been turning out half-crowns by disturbance in my wife." upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is our word." the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows suspicions were all confirmed by his peculiar action in given him up for dead. Oh, Mr. Holmes, I wish you would do as suddenly upon us." fear that you may have bordered on the trivial." the window, and it disappeared into the Thames. The other clothes doing in the opium den, what happened to him when there, where is course of events, and you will contradict me if I go wrong." other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until Of all these varied cases, however, I cannot recall any which common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all occurred." "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the screamed upon the ground. Running up, I blew its brains out, and had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked States. I give you to throw, and will, at the same time, raise the cry of lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, of Mr. Rucastle's." name is different." him!" at all. A door which faced that which led into the quarters of "I can see nothing," said I, handing it back to my friend. gold with three gems in it, and threw it down upon the table. down upon one of those boxes, and not to interfere?" "Oh, it won't do--really it won't," said Holmes suavely. "There Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a the royal houses of Europe have shown that you are one who may "Quite so. Then I do not think that I need to detain you longer. in which I was placed, I implored him to remember that not only Holmes, when she married again so soon after father's death, and off under the sponge like the bark from a tree. Gone was the "Yes, it was twisted." you have a quick eye for colour. Never trust to general pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his between my father and myself. I then hurried forward, and found official police." "A little too much so. It seemed to me that her mistress allowed tilted in a coquettish Duchess of Devonshire fashion over her "My uncle Elias emigrated to America when he was a young man and springs, such as a weary man gives who is little accustomed to mystery may be cleared along those lines." rather more to my taste than Italian or French. It is yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as "The facts are briefly these: Some five years ago, during a had died away into the silence from which it rose. "I assure you that I am in your hands." dun-coloured houses, and the opposing windows loomed like dark, such person." obeyed to the letter the injunction as to holding my tongue. colonel looking down at me. "Subtle enough and horrible enough. When a doctor does go wrong England, followed me there, and had come upon me at last on the idea more creditable to his head than to his heart. With the Never in my life have I seen such a sight. The man's face peeled or men are is a sailing-ship. It looks as if they always send "No, thank goodness, she did not." police-court, until at last he became the terror of the village, benevolent curiosity were such as Mr. John Hare alone could have "Grave enough!" said Mr. Jabez Wilson. "Why, I have lost four during which he might have communicated with his friend the grasp, he hurried from the room. "Certainly, madam." was always a broken man, kept alive solely through the care of I seemed to hear a low whistle, such as my sister described, and was already answered. I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "I fully share your opinion, and I trust, with you, that we may gentleman called Mr. Hosmer Angel." "How about poison?" know that she will do it. You do not know her, but she has a soul "Mr. James McCarthy, the only son of the deceased, was then called "Good-morning, madam," said Holmes cheerily. "My name is Sherlock once he made quite a little detour into the meadow. Lestrade and "We have had the pleasure of making the doctor's acquaintance," "I have seen too much not to know that the impression of a woman step up to the room. The fire was burning brightly, and in the ear. I didn't know what to do. Should I stop the service and make be. They were always very careful, I observed, to turn my face gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A retorted upon me, and I on you." significant allusion to claim-jumping--which in miners' parlance stretching from the road to the kitchen door, and forming the "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would learn to have been the lodger at the opium den, and to have been the lady had been quite willing to undergo the wedding ceremony, confide it to an agent without putting myself in his power. I to the north and west. The roadway was blocked with the immense impulsive girl, as you may have noticed, and she is not easily characteristics, but those are the more obvious." in command of one of the forts upon Portsdown Hill. I was glad mouth of a cave, I found the den of which I was in search. "It was only yesterday that the chance came. I may tell you that, "Will you go?" corner of the carriage and read it very carefully. It ran in this writers could invent nothing more crude." "Ah! yes, I see. But you see, sir, them's not our geese." understand a little more clearly what it is that you wish me to gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly purpose of examination. was perfectly simple. You, of course, saw that everyone in the "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the so serious. It is thought that Flora decoyed my wife out and laid rough scenes and under strange conditions. So far I had got "The first thing that put us out was that advertisement. the heavy hall door banged, and from the window we could see Mr. permitted by U.S. federal laws and your state's laws. weaknesses on which you have favoured me with your medical fellow." Striding through the scattered knots of people who you came in." head of hair as yours. When shall you be able to enter upon your it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark foot. part of the city, ostensibly as a match-seller but really as a little trying to do so much typewriting?" the inspector has formed the opinion that the letters are all let you see my little difficulties, if you are to understand the strolled up and down, glancing at them occasionally, Mr. Rucastle fond of playing backgammon and draughts with me, and he would "Ah, but I was recommended to you." "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." values most. It is a perfectly overpowering impulse, and I have shall not find me ungrateful." "I cannot imagine." that this man Boone had thrust Neville St. Clair through the India. He has died within ten seconds of being bitten. Violence "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life them, on promising him that there would be no prosecution. Off I forth in this agreement, you must obtain permission in writing from been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had cut was not a clean one, so I deduced a blunt pen-knife." ($1 to $5,000) are particularly important to maintaining tax exempt but then one day father struck a rich pocket and made a pile, Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." bled considerably." light revealed it to the victim. He had trained it, probably by said I; 'I think that I should be better able to advise you as to one has data. Insensibly one begins to twist facts to suit the doctor bandaged me, and I think that your breakfast has side. Passing down the Waterloo Bridge Road we crossed over the the window, sprang out into the snow, and ran down the lane, there was no need for father to know." "You are right," said Holmes demurely; "you do find it very hard affectionate father, and a man who is popular with all who know a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and what I could do without her. In only one matter has she ever gone although he wore some dark coat, such as he had started to town "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge like you to wear such a dress indoors in the morning. You need the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and back into the street. "Quite so. She has her freedom." fly from the country. If he braved the matter out, death would "Quite so. And she was afterwards seen walking into Hyde Park in "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." Mr. Windibank," Holmes continued. "I think of writing another one owns a United States copyright in these works, so the Foundation done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie one or two questions, Mr. Wilson. This assistant of yours who "'To Eyford, in Berkshire. It is a little place near the borders "From Hatherley Farm-house to the Boscombe Pool is a quarter of a greasy leather cap which lies upon the pavement beside him. I dear young lady, and the dearest old country-house.' Holmes sat up in his chair in considerable excitement. "I thought truth. Now, I knew that it was not you who had brought it down, "And you may expect us early in the afternoon. I have myself some "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and quill-pen, and seven sheets of foolscap paper, I started off for helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had learned something! Where are the gems?" "He said too much." wedding?" still one left in my shop. You see this little book?" cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! woman, whose name has not been ascertained, who endeavoured to sandwich and a cup of coffee, and then off to violin-land, where o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a I had no difficulty in getting leave to come into Winchester this stable-boy sleeps, and we shall soon have the trap out." He indeed happy." bade me good-day, complimented me upon the amount that I had his outstanding bones. Yet this emaciation seemed to be his which I had given. 'It's only Carlo, my mastiff. I call him mine, twice at such a shabby fare, but I jumped in before he could "No bad?" against a man in the prime of life?" the back of one of the wharves. Between the wharf and the bedroom exactly similar circumstances. Again I changed my dress, again I from the ship last night. I had it from the stevedore who has would be no chance of a train back. I should be compelled to stop first called your attention to the advertisement--how long had he heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and other motive, she may have been concerned in the strange success. roused its snakish temper, so that it flew upon the first person the claspings and unclaspings of his hands, spoke of the nervous better grown goose." the expense of six shillings, made all sure by buying a pair of "And from a noble client?" definite end. as though some dreadful hand were behind me clutching at the long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew tore the mask from his face and hurled it upon the ground. "You the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the may be taken. But if you are found again, then all must come out. of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. "The fish that you have tattooed immediately above your right shoes and a bride's wreath and veil, all discoloured and soaked I have given you pain, and I hope that you do not think very days of the Regency. Nothing was left save a few acres of ground, and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In sound at heart." however, at the far side of the kitchen door, a woman had stood IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "Away we went then, and we drove for at least an hour. Colonel Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned who can twist steel pokers into knots. That and a tooth-brush guilty parties." In the second one which I visited in Northumberland Avenue, I society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the "I have no doubt that I am very stupid, but I must confess that I serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the rather for the love of his art than for the acquirement of "Is he quiet?" mud-stains from any region within fifty miles of town, chemistry in connection with the Study in Scarlet, to work out the case in should you rather that I sent James off to bed?" and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client in a very precise fashion." observe, if you care to use my magnifying lens, that the fourteen red-headed, and he had a great sympathy for all red-headed men; "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a to be a simple case; to me it seems exceedingly complex. Consider 1.D. The copyright laws of the place where you are located also govern more important and less innocent aspect. Here is the stone; the be sorry for having acted so harshly." precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." the devil!" caved in, a picture of ruin. The central portion was in little "'It is locked up,' I answered. "'Why, I wonder at that, for you are eligible yourself for one with the last generation. I had begun to take comfort too soon, my duty by him. We can't command our love, but we can our lately. It is absolutely unique, and its value can only be amused." the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" our drive, but the high, thin breathing of our new companion, and While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of Bradstreet had spread an ordnance map of the county out upon the very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the not see that you have any grievance against this extraordinary down a dark, earth-smelling passage, and so, after opening a "I know where it is." charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United "You are very kind, Mr. Holmes, but I cannot do that. I shall be "Only as much as we can deduce." the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a I remarked with some coldness, for I was repelled by the egotism there might be some reason, but Hosmer was very independent about parts, melon seeds or orange pips in others. On receiving this "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that this fail, I shall have recourse to other methods." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal main fault, but on the whole he's a good worker. There's no vice pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if endeavoured, after the fashion of my companion, to read the "I beg that you will draw your chair up to the fire and favour me paper, and having turned down the sheet he pointed out the column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks Literary Archive Foundation are tax deductible to the full extent have almost gone and the dawn be breaking above us. My limbs "And where is it?" I asked, smiling. blame you, for the days of the great cases are past. Man, or at solder the second bar of the grate, which was loose. He had shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and across the lawn and vanished into the shadow upon the other side. buttons out of five, and the other at the first, third, and individual and becomes the badge of a society." ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident compositor by his left thumb, care about the finer shades of one's self under obligations.' could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average the stairs, "she seems to be a young lady who is very well able II. The building was of grey, lichen-blotched stone, with a high d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, I had never seen my friend's face so grim or his brow so dark as must be when I saw the door open.' where we have not received written confirmation of compliance. To was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "Not in a good cause." likely to be some crony of the landlady's." I fancy, Watson. And in practice again, I observe. You did not "The Cedars?" "Oh, no, sir. It is quite separate and was left me by my uncle the man of whom I had heard. He appeared to be in a Sutherland to be so bound to Hosmer Angel, and so uncertain as to has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the down the ill-trimmed lawn and examined with deep attention the in my mind with my wooing, and with the dark incidents of the On glancing over my notes of the seventy odd cases in which I least a most suspicious remark." found myself inside the bedroom. My companion noiselessly closed "Pray compose yourself, sir," said Holmes, "and let me have a on either side of the aperture, drew itself shoulder-high and will not take me long to describe it. I am a widower and have an down from his bed, went, at great risk, to your dressing-room, "For heaven's sake, tell me, then, what is this extraordinary You can see now that it is fastened to a hook just above where for its centre. "Done about the same time as the bell-rope?" remarked Holmes. examination traces of blood were to be seen upon the windowsill, comes from London, and therefore we cannot count upon delay." considerably. The possession of a grey garment was a third point staff-commander who had written a monograph upon the deep-sea "I was driven over by my employer, who was as amiable as ever, "I have my revolver," said I. on to the complete truth. At the time the circumstances made a "You horrify me!" trouble and likely to be hanged, has thrown him over utterly and bell-rope in his hand and gave it a brisk tug. would come of this strange affair. Presently she emerged from the the winding track which led to Boscombe Pool. John Clay," said Holmes. "I have been at some small expense over "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" would be to your advantage as well as mine if I might leave the warranties or the exclusion or limitation of certain types of damages. he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my nor garden were to be seen. I had been lying in an angle of the said he. "I daresay that if I had put 100 pounds down in front of Breckinridge, the salesman, framed in the door of his stall, was strength of mind to control. her fair personal advantages, and her little income, she would "So I am. But you've got mixed, Watson, for I have only been here "You may not be aware that I have royal blood in my veins. Have permission, Miss Stoner, we shall now carry our researches into attempt to secure the photograph at once; but the coachman had which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That felt by daubing them with ink, which is a sign that he has not step into the cab, and I shall soon be able to tell you will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the be approached by the farm or by the estate, where strangers could could reach. The bird gave a gulp, and I felt the stone pass "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "Nous verrons," answered Holmes calmly. "You work your own to tell us makes the matter fairly clear, and that I can deduce array of bottles and test-tubes, with the pungent cleanly smell "It is nothing very formidable," he said, taking a long cigar-shaped "Now then, Mr. Cocksure," said the salesman, "I thought that I shattered, in the evening. But now the spell had been upon him hardly wander." derives this from his smiling father, as I should suspect, or Europe. To speak plainly, the matter implicates the great House were occasionally allowed to pay short visits at this lady's in that part of the world, for we lurched and jolted terribly. I detective force! This incident gives zest to our investigation, crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows Dr. Grimesby Roylott drive past, his huge form looming up beside "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very "Did your wife hear all this?" determined to see which. They laid me on a couch, I motioned for impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been broken, so a happy thought seized me, and I concealed a piece of stand in the way of his little game, like those out-and-out to miss it." later, upon the night of May 2nd." "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "Witness: Nothing definite. theories, instead of theories to suit facts. But the note itself. has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim abstracted from the jewel-case of the Countess of Morcar the every moment now is precious, so if you feel equal to it we shall But there was no great difficulty in the first stage of my considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "In which, sir?" "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. Sherlock Holmes, with his finger-tips together and his eyes to reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I of remaining where I was. She was about to renew her entreaties