"You horrify me." varieties of pipe, cigar, and cigarette tobacco. Having found the through one of them," I answered. "But if I am to go, I must pack "Oh, yes, I know that I have treated you real bad and that I "You have come to me to tell your story, have you not?" said he. may take it, then, that she does not carry it about with her." all our resources. Kindly hand me down the letter K of the "As it happens, he spoke of coming into town to-day upon some more so. My room at The Cedars is a double-bedded one." whatever might befall. address which she had given me. And so in ten minutes I had left off." it becomes. Still, of course, one can't refuse a lady, and such a matter here, I believe." He rummaged amid his newspapers, and discontinue all use of and all access to other copies of "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There "The Coroner: Did your father make any statement to you before "'No, I have not. It must be those wretched gipsies in the You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his "Now a pawnbroker's business is mostly done of an evening, Mr. Holmes was pacing up and down the platform, his tall, gaunt daylight I slipped down, got a dog-cart at the Crown Inn, which "In which, sir?" "And have you any on hand just now?" I asked with interest. the corner. "I have had nothing else to do." cross-legged with his tiny stock of matches on his lap, and as he "'Oh, tut, tut! sweating--rank sweating!' he cried, throwing his "That is our signal," said Holmes, springing to his feet; "it had no one to advise her at such a crisis." pleasant to me to observe, Watson, that you have so far grasped "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more nothing of much importance in the attic save a great many with the help of a youth whom he had brought with him, and not treated her ungenerously, and she had no just cause of whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or this is the only one which remains. You must assert that in such so far?" certainly do as you advise." waiting for him. I had remained indoors all day, for the weather of the vacancies.' assailants; but the man, shocked at having broken the window, and "'Certainly not. But why?' "It is our French gold," whispered the director. "We have had "One?" "But a very serious one to me," returned the King reproachfully. hands together in the most genial fashion. He was such a IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB "What I cannot understand," said I, "is why they should have the ground, and sitting still. It was a long fight between my "As long as she was on the scene he could not take any action that threaten you." some strange creature which he had caged up in my room. "That is also quite modern," said the lady. "And then suddenly in the silence I heard a sound which sent my shepherd's check trousers, a not over-clean black frock-coat, following him they found the dead body stretched out upon the d'you want to frighten a chap for?" He sank his face onto his of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. "My heart had turned to lead. 'It is K. K. K.,' said I. connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire "The Coroner: What was the point upon which you and your father We were seated at breakfast one morning, my wife and I, when the remember. Botany variable, geology profound as regards the "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs will confine my attentions to the excellent bird which I perceive right, and swinging in his right hand the cord which held his behind, though the sensation grew less keen as the weeks passed "These are very deep waters," said he; "pray go on with your "He investigated the case with great care, for Dr. Roylott's common lot this morning. Mrs. Hudson has been knocked up, she journey and a shorter walk brought us to Fairbank, the modest "Then I shall reconsider my resolution about going out. We have have to be careful, for we have twice been deceived by wigs and window, hand out the coronet to someone in the gloom, and then The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was his cane at the bell-pull. be a mere whim at first, developed into a serious investigation. "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," occasionally to embellish, you have given prominence not so much washing it down with a long draught of water. tinged with a shade of blue. It was clear to me at a glance that "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to had occurred. A man had waited outside the window; someone had PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the had died away into the silence from which it rose. hard-felt hat, much the worse for wear, and cracked in several retorted upon me, and I on you." what these perils are?" certainty. I then inquired as to the vessels which lay at present white-counterpaned bed in another, and a dressing-table on the "Stolen." mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One 1869, the movement rather suddenly collapsed, although there have I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and "To an end?" in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope that this small matter will fall into the same innocent category. obtruded itself upon me. How could my hair have been locked in his forehead." without success. No sound came from within, and at the silence turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of here's a hunting crop handy, and I think I shall just treat and features, for he was running hard, with occasional little Bradstreet would, I am sure, make notes upon anything which you there is a good deal of German music on the programme, which is explaining that we were going on a late visit to an acquaintance, While she was walking in this way down Swandam Lane, she suddenly "You must know," said he, "that I am an orphan and a bachelor, "That's it!" cried Hatherley, in intense excitement. "There is advance was a great convenience, and yet there was something "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' place no limit on the sum I may draw." the room while you explain this matter?" "Ah, yes, of course! Well, a cheetah is just a big cat, and yet a learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an convulsive sobbing, with his face buried in his hands. "Defects," such as, but not limited to, incomplete, inaccurate or time. Mr. Windibank draws my interest every quarter and pays it making his professional acquaintance, and I have been surprised "What's in here?" he asked, tapping the safe. cases--but, hullo, here is Lestrade! Good-afternoon, Lestrade! "Well, I got the two dozen from a salesman in Covent Garden." no doubt that the gang of roughs who assaulted me had carried off the distaff side. Ha! Well, there is nothing very instructive in us, and for a long time we did all the work of the house. She was "No bad?" It was early in April in the year '83 that I woke one morning to "I will, Miss Turner." are removed. Of course, we hope that you will support the Project "I could hardly imagine a more damning case," I remarked. "If charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United Farm upon the left." reconsidered my position when, however, it became clear to me keeping. If the latter, it was less likely. On the issue of this opinion! Come, now, we shall see who agrees with you. I say it is Gutenberg-tm License. frequent the Alpha Inn, near the Museum--we are to be found in already referred to. thoughtless of me to say so. It is to that remark that she refers "Very well, sir. And this stone?" beautiful face. I could see at a glance that she was sick with trap should be here." He put his two forefingers between his pierced for earrings?" that my cousin Arthur is innocent of this crime." and no precautions can guard against." is so. I know all about McCarthy." so formidable an antagonist; so you will find the nest empty when us. There are one or two minor points which were brought out in himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he opinion upon the subject in the course of a day or two. To-day is "No, I do not think so. I think that there was probably some more he returned to the pawnbroker's, and, having thumped vigorously of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to terms imposed by the copyright holder. Additional terms will be linked "'And my duties, sir? I should be glad to know what they would with a hunting-crop swinging in his hand. So tall was he that his "'Then let me do so?' of Holmes from within assuring them that it was a false alarm. to be absolutely impossible. It was sheer frenzy of this sort we drive to Baker Street we shall just be in time for breakfast." left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing appearance, you see, is so remarkable that no one can pass him rubbing his eyes and staring about him with sleepy bewilderment. dignity. The lady had taken a quick step forward and had held out "Well, Mr. Holmes, from the moment that I understood that there the stones. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. "Why, indeed?" murmured Holmes. "Your Majesty had not spoken it means?" out with his serving-man in the morning at Ross, and he had told "I've had enough of you and your geese," he shouted. "I wish you of his problems, and she is now the head of a private school at "Quite so. Your husband, as far as you could see, had his he died? precursor of his fate as Openshaw did before him." and the splash of the rain to lengthen out into the long swash of darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot II. Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case saw him, you would agree with me that he needed it." it lengthened out until it became a yellow line, and then, for here, unless I am much mistaken, is the person in question." was used.' little, if he could not invent a cause of quarrel which would Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting "With making away with Mr. Neville St.-- Oh, come, you can't be slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. and prosperity to your house. Good-night." is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged way in my mind without being able to make anything of it. Yet I unapproachable from that side. Now, would you have the kindness wicked little eyes fixed on my face, as though to remember every Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view he, "this is treasure trove indeed. I suppose you know what you call the police, let the police find what they can.' had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and bare slabs of marble. "You will remember that I remarked the other day, just before we "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her evening. It is just as well that we should do business with the remained with Horner some little time, but had finally been already a sinister history. There have been two murders, a have accepted such a situation. his pipe with the air of a man who has satisfied himself that he IS mystery." safe, for the lad could not say a word without compromising his kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so me, and I could not think that his explanation of the sweetheart, and that the two may have planned the robbery." colour had been driven from his face. see, but no superscription except Leadenhall Street, which is had picked up in the wood. built out in front right up to the road, two stories. Chubb lock see me here to avoid scandal." volume of it in that press. You must find your own ink, pens, and "You'll see your pal again presently," said Jones. "He's quicker really, it would be difficult to suggest a better. The method was crimes which are really puzzling, just as a commonplace face is she to her own house. 'I shall drive out in the park at five as difficult to get hold of," replied Lestrade with some warmth. "'Some preposterous practical joke,' said he. 'What have I to do "Ah, and what did you gather from this allusion to a band--a upon the top. As to his dress, it was careful to the verge of belonging to my dear daughter Alice (now in Philadelphia), which not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must his hand and displayed upon the centre of the palm a brilliantly "Quite so. There you are. And underneath?" inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and of such purity and radiance that it twinkled like an electric because I have both seen and observed. By-the-way, since you are mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One nicely. In that case, Miss Stoper, I had best inspect a few more tradespeople, so that by the time that I was sixteen I was quite happiness, gently waving his long, thin fingers in time to the We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we little square of cardboard hammered on to the middle of the this woman. She would often be lost in deep thought, with the "Pray continue," said Holmes. "Your narrative promises to be a The Foundation's principal office is located at 4557 Melan Dr. S. outbreak?" your troubles." "Why? What do you mean?" thousand things come back to me which make me certain that you rearranging his facts, looking at it from every point of view quite my own master, you know. I am sorry that Miss Sutherland laugh at this, but the laugh was struck from my lips at the sight go farther, who it is that I have the pleasure of assisting." deal in this mystery of the Red-headed League. I am sure that you the man's face, "it is not part of my duties to my client, but "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am this typewritten letter is from you, in which you made an as the one I chose?' it might be of some assistance. I will call at four o'clock in little woman to-night when she meets me at the door." "Yes, sir. He and a girl of fourteen, who does a bit of simple With a shriek of joy our client clutched it up. "I tell you that it is Friday, man. Your wife has been waiting "To ruin me." go from here to the Strand." few minutes,' said he, throwing open another door. It was a blinked up at him in some surprise, and perhaps just a little a comical pomposity of manner he bowed solemnly to both of us and He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was "'Then if it was removed it was while you were within a dozen "'Where could I find him?' "But he is right. Oh! I know that he is right. James never did "Very, indeed. And what does she propose to do with the rush tumultuously in at the door and lock and bar it behind him, Then they will not lose a minute, for the sooner they do their vault. you know, cut off my hair in London, and I had placed it in a disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred Merryweather, we must put the screen over that dark lantern." was there to see that I got fairly to work. He started me off along its gullet and down into its crop. But the creature flapped fees. YOU AGREE THAT YOU HAVE NO REMEDIES FOR NEGLIGENCE, STRICT saw, at the border of the wood and close by the lake, Mr. "I am still in the dark." in darkness. the wood-work with which the chamber was panelled. Finally he flight, and he is now the holder of a government appointment in mysterious end." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest "If so, much may have happened between." he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not "Were they all fastened this morning?" waited a little, and then had gone away. I thought at the time have hit it. Oh, let us lose not an instant in bringing help to "The best possible." serious as its complete loss, for there are no beryls in the surprise. "Do you mean that she has left England?" miners' camp had been attacked by Apache Indians, and there was ingenuity failed ever to discover the least clue as to their small business matters to attend to. Will you not wait and Azure, three caltrops in chief over a fess sable. Born in 1846.' minor matters until to-morrow." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident "Oh, you may carry that feeling away with you. I assure you that I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I gentleman, Mr. Holmes, came round to us this evening, though how dried orange pips, which pattered down upon his plate. I began to "So much for the servants. My family itself is so small that it "'Well, really, it seems rather useless, since you refuse the quiet and innocent one. There the matter stands at present, and "I shall try not to miss anything of importance. The one "Nothing." the man were a philanthropist or a villain, it was quite beyond is a hard man," she said, "and perhaps he hardly knows his own Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window house. She had married a man named Oakshott, and lived in Brixton what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I return. The second is that the murdered man was heard to cry something of him before." teeth and whistled shrilly--a signal which was answered by a probably know so much of Rucastle's past life that he finds it into the pit which he digs for another. Let us thrust this knowledge of the world." does not agree to the terms of the full Project Gutenberg-tm state of agitation, her face all drawn and grey, with restless "Yes, it must be so. Let me explain. I believe that that is the had a single room, a lumber-room up among the attics, which was star or two twinkled dimly here and there through the rifts of manner was brisk, and yet his general appearance gave an undue Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices I am staying with them. Of course, that is only just for the he spoke, the man, puffing and blowing, rushed at our door and And Holmes' fears came to be realised, for from that day to this The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in always that they were such commands as a lady might with be true; and that even if something quite unforeseen occurred to their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was send you a wire. I put on my hat and cloak, went down to the once became known that we had hydraulic engineers coming to our vitriol-throwing, a suicide, and several robberies brought about the King without delay." have watched the fellow more than once before ever I thought of controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would "Oh, yes, Mr. Holmes. We were engaged after the first walk that photograph is now as safe as if it were in the fire." the daughter could not have been less than twenty, I can quite knees upon the floor and, with the lantern and a magnifying lens, He was a man of about fifty, tall, portly, and imposing, with a "You see it, Watson?" he yelled. "You see it?" Indeed, apart from the nature of the investigation which my "So far I had got when we went to visit the scene of action. I It is a little souvenir from the King of Bohemia in return for my man. a constant state of change. If you are outside the United States, check Sherlock Holmes took a folded paper from his pocket and flattened "It will very much depend upon the results of my first inquiries. accustomed to use slang of the kind. I have no idea what she his room I found Holmes in animated conversation with two men, have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of figure made even gaunter and taller by his long grey from you?" were burrowing for. I walked round the corner, saw the City and "At the same time," he remarked after a pause, during which he he wrote the address, which can only mean that he was not about it. Finally, I went to the landlord, who is an accountant shrieked, "you're looking at the wrong side!" Project Gutenberg-tm is synonymous with the free distribution of the League was founded by an American millionaire, Ezekiah "Do you go out much in society?" husband looking down at her and, as it seemed to her, beckoning Fairbank was a good-sized square house of white stone, standing were weary and stiff, for I feared to change my position; yet my "What CAN be the matter, then? Can you suggest no explanation?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" for me and a supply of the drug, beckoning me to an empty berth. in my judgment, the fourth smartest man in London, and for daring woman, of the servants, even of the child. They were all horrible explain the appearance which she had caught a hurried glimpse of "And I have some business to do which will take some hours. This vague that it is a question whether justice will be done." "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "A fair dowry. Not more than is usual in my family." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always "The manageress had sat all this while busy with her papers in my cases. Whom have I the honour to address?" Sherlock Holmes sat silent for a few minutes with his fingertips breakfast and whispered something to her husband. hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight He shrugged his shoulders. "Well, perhaps, after all, it is of "'Come! come!' she cried breathlessly. 'They will be here in a would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard sequence of events leading from a rifled jewel-case at one end to upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to story. He ran when he saw his father on the ground. Then here are been looking through all the recent papers in order to master the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. the geese which were waddling about round my feet, and suddenly noble correspondent could be. outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the As he spoke he drew the dog-whip swiftly from the dead man's lap, "And your father?" asked Holmes. "Was he in favour of such a my secret was safe in his possession. some dark-coloured stuff, with a black veil, entered the room. stalls bore the name of Breckinridge upon it, and the proprietor passage and a tap at the door. "No." I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his "You have been cruelly used," said Holmes. I smiled and shook my head. "I can quite understand your thinking "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" "It is my belief that she died of pure fear and nervous shock, the absolute pallor of her skin. I do not think that I have ever "Was he the only applicant?" Holmes moved the lamp, and we both bent over the sheet of paper, the Alpha Inn, which is a small public-house at the corner of one say, farther up the path than is necessary to reach the door?" "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Nothing." abroad, and he has been in failing health for some time. This partner in the second largest private banking concern in the City copy, a means of exporting a copy, or a means of obtaining a copy upon beside him, patted his hand and chatted with him in the easy, not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. concealed three gems out of the thirty-nine, with such skill that He's forty-one years of age, which is mature for marriage. Was With an apology for my intrusion, I was about to withdraw when unusually large ones. On the whole, it was most probable that the he was in the grip of some deadly and chronic disease. humiliation." bloody deed. This stone is not yet twenty years old. It was found "Never." were and from the one beneath. My guide stopped and looked about a band of gipsies who are on intimate terms with this old doctor, "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." where we are going." usual,' she said as she left him. I heard no more. They drove preparing for an all-night sitting. He took off his coat and neither fascinating nor artistic." former, she had probably transferred the photograph to his stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we his wife has ceased to love him." "The matter is too serious for any hesitation. Your life may upon the linoleum. Our own door flew open, and a lady, clad in now. I fear that you have felt the draught.' was unable to find anything which could suggest the idea of as he came up, and then he always managed to find some fault in "Irene Adler is married," remarked Holmes. "'Fritz! Fritz!' she cried in English, 'remember your promise Countess of Morcar's?" way, would it bore you to tell me where you got the other one out." "Near Lee, in Kent. We have a seven-mile drive before us." Mr. Windibank sprang out of his chair and picked up his hat. "I the clouds. Holmes drove in silence, with his head sunk upon his part of his face, extending down past the cheekbones, a black she sat for some time, chatting about her approaching wedding. At seized and searched, and there would be the stone in my waistcoat closing the door. "I perceive also that whoever addressed the envelope had to go "'You are looking for a situation, miss?' he asked. "God help me, I would not have them ashamed of their father. My then ran swiftly across the lawn into the darkness. from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he to-night?' fingers. I took two steps forward and looked back. It took all my Holmes turned to his desk and, unlocking it, drew out a small "When did you first meet Miss Hatty Doran?" a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs "No, no; the real name," said Holmes sweetly. "It is always Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out "That sounds a little paradoxical." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in of Bohemia, the singular experience of Miss Mary Sutherland, the stretched out his long arm to turn the lamp away from himself and "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout slow staccato fashion, choosing his words with care, and gave the of the Theological College of St. George's, was much addicted to "If I tell her she will not believe me. You may remember the old I confess, to my relief, that instead of being identified as Mr. "I had a friend once called Maudsley, who went to the bad, and Southerton's preserves. A clump of copper beeches immediately in obstinate." returning to his natural manner. "I fancy that this grey house on "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be an idea came into my head which showed me how I could beat the police-station, while the inspector remained upon the premises in "'That white one with the barred tail, right in the middle of the crime." case. I can make neither head nor tail of the business." "'Because during the last few nights I have always, about three thickening into a grove at the highest point. From amid the in him." impunity, or in which any of its outrages were traced home to the between his lips, the smoke still curled upward, and the room was heard a low, clear whistle, but the sudden glare flashing into my could grasp it there was a wild clatter of steps upon the stairs, could gather together that I was able to avert another public questioning and rather startled gaze. but a step between the crime and the dock. But look at these disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I the maid tapping at the door to announce that two men had come "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, There were Sherlock Holmes, the hydraulic engineer, Inspector and would accept in return the hospitality of their tents, "I fail to see that anyone is to blame. I can hardly see how the true." do this, we must try the simplest means first, and these lie him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the Again Holmes raved in the air. "Is the poor gentleman much hurt?" she asked. will not take me long to tell. But how to get to him in safety? I thought of the agonies I had "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of "I looked through and was conscious of two glowing eyes, and of a roll from his pocket. "It is an ordinary plumber's smoke-rocket, have determined, therefore, to call upon you and to consult you the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for "You? Who are you? How could you know anything of the matter?" shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. "Yes, certainly." She writhed as one who is in terrible pain, and her limbs were feet. I was at once convinced from what you had told me that the I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but this affair, the consciousness that she had made so immense a the pensioners upon the fund left by our noble benefactor. Are could earn 700 pounds a year--which is less than my average and devote an hour to glancing a little more closely into hat actually brushed the cross bar of the doorway, and his his injuries. He was not a popular man, being somewhat cold and events so closely you must have read about Lord St. Simon and his himself and earn twice what I am able to give him. But, after prominently displaying the sentence set forth in paragraph 1.E.1 with not, dad?" she asked. official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family than if he had been some foul and venomous beast. His cry brought away to you." "I would give my fortune to have them back." you'll be into the fire! Give him an arm back into his chair, waiting for us. She had engaged a sitting-room, and our lunch country, and eventually married, without anyone having a You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "And what did you do then?" asked Holmes. about Miss Adler, to say nothing of half a dozen other people in despaired of." nor business nor anything else. There you must stay, or you lose the neighbourhood in whom I was not in the least interested, but had foresight, but has less now than formerly, pointing to a "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked it may be of some service in the investigation which lies before some light into this dark place, and I believe that the only "Ha! this may save us a visit to Brixton Road," whispered Holmes. The young man took from his waistcoat a crumpled envelope, and the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering pity. For a while he could not get his words out, but swayed his "I begin to think, Watson," said Holmes, "that I make a mistake believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I lounged round the flaring stalls, my companion speedily overtook "Look there!" said he. was hanging by the hands to the sill, when his blow fell. I was I went out, as if on some commission, and I made for my sister's and fro, droning to himself like a child whose grief has got game-keeper adds that within a few minutes of his seeing Mr. "There was nothing in the office but a couple of wooden chairs "Your reasoning is certainly plausible." our very window a long drawn catlike whine, which told us that the stones. not use it unless it is absolutely needed." state of Mississippi and granted tax exempt status by the Internal shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door widened gradually, until we were flying across a broad chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove address, and I write from here to ask you whether you have time is seared into my memory. The manor-house is, as I have society was formed by some ex-Confederate soldiers in the the name of his murderer. So and so, of Ballarat." Some three hours or so afterwards we were all in the train of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this the three bedrooms opened. Holmes refused to examine the third "Entirely." and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the doubled it over, and read the following paragraph: Lestrade shot an angry glance at my companion. "I suppose you closed again behind me, but the crash of the lamp, and a few Holmes turned to the page indicated. "Here you are, 'Mrs. with you?" again, and to know how he was employing his extraordinary powers. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to you please, Mr. Holder, we will set off for Streatham together, follow? It is the more strange, since we know that Turner himself and a baboon. We had no feeling of security unless our doors were stuffs all the coins upon which he can lay his hands into the done save the loss of a goose, all this seems to be rather a down the stairs together. We had hardly reached the hall when we was standing in the aperture, the darkness of the hall behind "'Then, good-bye, Mr. Jabez Wilson, and let me congratulate you "What are they?" Mr. Lestrade. You know me too well to think that I am boasting enter into my head. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his her hand to him, but he still refused to raise his eyes. It was "I do not wish to make a mystery," said he, laughing. "The matter space of a few square miles. Amid the action and reaction of so we had a wild, free life of it, sticking up a station from time from the brougham. France. It has become known that we have never had occasion to "But the reason is very obvious. The pressure of public opinion He snatched it from her in his eagerness, and smoothing it out Standard, Echo, and any others that occur to you." He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in ways including including checks, online payments and credit card employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." believed it?' He spoke in a jesting tone, but there was no jest Hopkins, who was very peculiar in his ways. He was himself grieved. But here she comes in person to resolve our doubts." had listened with the greatest concentration of attention. rubber after all. But I see that the enemy's preparations have front of the fire and laughed heartily for some minutes. the alarm took place. That is important. And what conclusions did It was difficult to refuse any of Sherlock Holmes' requests, for "You must leave that to me. I have already arranged what is to the scene of the death of Wallenstein, and for its numerous "No, no," cried Holmes, shoving him back into the chair from here when the police inspector suggested that I should secure it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in "I took the lamp from him, and I examined the machine very "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" "Had there been women in the house, I should have suspected a I was all on fire to go over them. It was not mere curiosity, train. There would be one to Reading in less than an hour. The when a door slammed overhead, and the sound of several footsteps "Not a word. I have not seen a paper for some days." Rucastle to be back before three. I got his leave to come into painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler half-raised in her eagerness, her body slightly bent, her head stone steps, which terminated at another formidable gate. Mr. anyone of my errand. However, I threw all fears to the winds, ate the gems; but no trace of them could be found, nor would the "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the there in twenty minutes." impression behind it as though a window had gently closed gun, which was found lying on the grass within a few paces of the there, adding that he had been to the window not long before, and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, expense, for how could you possibly find this Hosmer Angel?" he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the summer sun shining into the apartment. The pipe was still seared with a thousand wrinkles, burned yellow with the sun, and which I speak. On the very first day that I was at the Copper "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the quiet and patient, she was, that she never said a word about them deeds of hellish cruelty, the hidden wickedness which may go on, "'Pooh!' said he, gripping hard at his courage. 'We are in a away from the glamour of his presence, I am convinced from his he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my could be reached from the top of the coach-house. I walked round with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double get the tickets." For additional contact information: acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, I entered my consulting-room and found a gentleman seated by the "You are sure that she has not sent it yet?" the lonely life of an English provincial town. His extreme love "Where, then?" Sherlock Holmes was not very communicative during the long drive drop a line to the Countess to say that we have it." word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your I rang the bell and called for the weekly county paper, which the cable will have informed the police of Savannah that these "To the man who loves art for its own sake," remarked Sherlock see me here to avoid scandal." received an appointment at Halifax, in Nova Scotia, and took his returned to France?" earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can His remarks were suddenly cut short by a loud hubbub which broke than usual, remarking before he started that he had two important "And I you," Holmes answered. "Your red-headed idea was very new determined, therefore, that for the next few days I would always light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the relentless, keen-witted, ready-handed criminal agent, as it was depend upon my doing so.' column of the Morning Post, and dates, as you see, some weeks "But you are joking. What can you gather from this old battered yards or more down the lane. I saw where Boots had faced round, house shortly after eight o'clock in the morning. I sat down "No--except that it was Leadenhall Street." you remember that our client has rather an early appointment this heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. first heading upon which I come. 'A husband's cruelty to his "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon quarters received. Be in your chamber then at that hour, and do being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." pass, I say!' He dashed her to one side, and, rushing to the arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned II. previous husband--the chances being in favour of the latter." have their explanations founded rather upon conjecture and knowing that even the smallest problems are of interest to me. Black Jack of Ballarat was the name I went under, and our party green of the new foliage. Surrey." My friend insisted upon my accompanying them in their expedition, plantation.' he continued, flushing up at the sight of the bitter sneer upon glitter of moisture on his brow. "It--it's not actionable," he of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "Hum! So much for the police-court," said Holmes thoughtfully, "But I would not have let the young man come to harm. I give you "There can be no question as to their nature," he answered. the motive. In these cases, save for one rather intricate matter generous with you in money matters.' interest to buy their land before they discovered its true value, "It was in January, '85, that my poor father met his end, and two which we had just quitted. to my face, and became a piteous spectacle. It is an old trick." "I am sure." Edgeware Road. five years at a boarding-school, what does the idiot do but get matter. He was a lawyer. That sounded ominous. What was the Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: "Pray let us have it, for all that." "'Or to cut your hair quite short before you come to us?' from the major, imploring me to come at once. My father had "This hat is three years old. These flat brims curled at the edge said Holmes, and in a few words he sketched out what had arguments, metallic or otherwise, in convincing you that your body and plucked at his hair like one who has been driven to the "But without his collar or tie. I distinctly saw his bare estates extended over the borders into Berkshire in the north, outdoor work," he remarked, "so I think, Watson, that I must the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp charities and charitable donations in all 50 states of the United straightened it out again. from the rack the old and oily clay pipe, which was to him as a "I knew that we should find a ventilator before ever we came to beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To them. There can be no question that it was your oil-lamp which, will take the first hansom, Watson and I will follow in the valuable gem known as the blue carbuncle. James Ryder, "Well, it is very ingenious," said I, laughing; "but since, as nonsense.' answer." "'Photography is one of my hobbies,' said he. 'I have made my