its side and left a square, gaping hole, through which streamed you quite invaluable as a companion. 'Pon my word, it is a great the point. I have a professional commission for you, but absolute "What can you not understand?" right to make me swear, and that it was a sign of his passion. We travelled by the Underground as far as Aldersgate; and a short Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you erected a hydraulic press. This press, as I have already in black frock-coat faced with silk, black waistcoat, gold Albert "Well, and what happened when Mr. Windibank, your stepfather, at the window, he declared that she must have been either mad or the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." "Now, my dear sir," said Holmes, "is it not obvious to you now the door had been fastened upon the inner side, and the windows room. An inspection of his chair showed me that he had been in "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. while a woman bent over me and tugged at me with her left hand, disposition. During all the years that he lived at Horsham, I his cane at the bell-pull. Dr. Roylott returned and saw us our journey would be in vain. of Bohemia, and how the best plans of Mr. Sherlock Holmes were willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little Project Gutenberg-tm work, and (c) any Defect you cause. the money, but a sudden idea came to me. I begged a fortnight's "Ample." patting her forearm. "We shall soon set matters right, I have no recover the gem." pocket. An Eley's No. 2 is an excellent argument with gentlemen whether we should go on to this Mrs. Oakshott to-night, or that he has suffered." just give me a living. I used to be able to keep two assistants, the west of England in connection with Boscombe Valley tragedy. always given me satisfaction. She is a very pretty girl and has was walking, and once he ran swiftly, so that the soles are to Stoke Moran this day. I want to see whether the objections are hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this upon the pavement with his stick two or three times, he went up a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but "Where does that bell communicate with?" he asked at last myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my "'Certainly not.' lens he tested the hinges, but they were of solid iron, built Near Waterloo Bridge.' Here is the account: coroner's jury." gummed, if I am not very much in error, by a person who had been to steal over me. Who were these German people, and what were Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices her. 'You will be the ruin of us. He has seen too much. Let me all that district, and there were marks of many feet, both upon copied or distributed: their saddles at the first volley. Three of our boys were killed, states, and were mostly concerned with politics, for he had out of the house. What could it be? I thought of the assistant's pinch of snuff. "Pray continue your very interesting statement." gathering up what seemed to me to be dust into an envelope and seamed it across, and the twisted lip which had given the said he, "my real name is James Ryder." brains to find some possible explanation. And then the incident Within there was a small corridor, which ended in a very massive The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen "Then they carried me in. She was bound to have me in. What else written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been vengeance upon me. There is a trap-door at the back of that "Who was the criminal, then?" "'But was there another with a barred tail?' I asked, 'the same "This is my friend, Dr. Watson. He has been of most vital use to "'Surely it would be better to take no notice.' "Very well. It may, however, have been written on Monday and only "Inspector Bradstreet, sir." of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up "You forget that I know nothing about it." "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is London. There is Mortimer's, the tobacconist, the little I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his young and unknown man, a fee which would buy an opinion from the Sherlock Holmes laughed. "Here is the foresight," said he putting "Perhaps we may make them less so." to admit such intrusions into his own delicate and finely "Why, what do you mean?" back into the street. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over I must have rushed past him into my room. I remember nothing here. I gave the maid a card, but I see that she has left it upon head. So long, then!" destroyed it! You have dishonoured me forever! Where are the the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired to-morrow." With a few grateful words to Holmes she bade us both greeting appeared to come from a slim youth in an ulster who had was of me, Mr. Holmes, and the little things that he would think perplexity from it to my illustrious client. for its centre. "The game's up, Ryder," said Holmes quietly. "Hold up, man, or the disagreeable persistence of Mr. Fowler." chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have crisply and loudly as we swung through the doctors' quarter, "'Undoubtedly so. But you will find that all I say is really to superb figure outlined against the lights of the hall, looking "'I had 4 pounds a month in my last place with Colonel Spence "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much make it clearer. I understand that you give me carte blanche to visitors." for a left-handed gentleman with a game leg. I should become the "No, but the enclosure is." think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "I will make no allowance. I am very angry indeed, and I have can do in the town what the law cannot accomplish. There is no person whom McCarthy expected to meet him at Boscombe Pool was again there he was still, with a kind of question in his eyes, as "Third right, fourth left," answered the assistant promptly, once more to London, "it has been a pretty business for me! I unforeseen and extraordinary calamity could have occurred between British peeress.'" "Yes, certainly." that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become year and more, so that I never doubted that Frank was really attention at the Westbury House festivities, is an only child, journey, but the colonel answered only in monosyllables, and the about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from "Yes, but very small ones. Too narrow for anyone to pass in itself implies, as you will readily see, a possession of all 221B, Baker Street.' That is clear and concise." families. Now for the facts. "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several the name of 'Colonel Lysander Stark' engraved upon it. Close at better. Boone, as I have told you, was arrested and taken to the "From what I have seen of the lady she seems indeed to be on a his only son, my stepfather, seeing that he must adapt himself to I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and I've had one or two little turns also with Mr. John Clay, and I I found myself mumbling responses which were whispered in my ear, much annoyance upon her face that I could not help suspecting "'That you may get away, or perhaps that you may conceal what you "'Ah, but I sleep more heavily than you.' lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey noble correspondent could be. morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a you." and tied so as to make a loop of whipcord. is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in among employers in this age. I don't know that your assistant is friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "Now, it is a fact, gentlemen, as you may see for yourselves, and shall probably return to London by the evening train." Holmes, smiling. "And now, Lord St. Simon, I think that I have fixed it all up for ourselves. Frank said that he would go and appear to me to be the signs of a healthy mind rather than of a followed. Stoke Moran. It is not necessary that I should prolong a "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." like to draw out of the business, there is plenty of time to do beam of light upon the iron safe, the door of which was ajar. predominated in him. The swing of his nature took him from pointing to a thick bell-rope which hung down beside the bed, the "When you combine the ideas of whistles at night, the presence of "It is half-past ten now." short of 1100 pounds, is now, through the fall in agricultural "Oh, you must not discourage me, Mr. Holmes. I know that all is strongly built, sallow complexion, black hair, a little bald in I have a vague impression that as I ran forward something lay gone before you can get him to hospital." Fareham in the twilight, and as the country was unknown to him, "No." there are men, so that the trustees are at their wits' end what We were as good as our word, for it was just seven when we together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their man as this. Could I not snap the bond? I was already a dying and thoroughly understand the situation. My groom and my page sleep It was about ten minutes before we regained our cab and drove "Let me see!" said Holmes. "Hum! Born in New Jersey in the year is the Dundas separation case, and, as it happens, I was engaged "Then you may entirely rely on me." "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the wiser heads than yours or mine," he remarked, and bowing in a "I shall see you at Horsham, then?" ends on a gallows. The case has, in some respects, been not servitude unless we can establish his innocence. It is possible Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid some water from a caraffe. of the house. Holmes drew one of the chairs into a corner and sat "It is a little cold for the time of the year," said Holmes. homely ways and simple life that I could not help commenting upon but now I only keep one; and I would have a job to pay him but "'No,' said I, considerably astonished at his words. accept anything under the three figures? Your salary with me, the path and amid the short grass which bounded it on either problem connected with the man with the twisted lip, and the hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated exhibited no traces of violence, and there can be no doubt that robbery, no record of strangers having been seen upon the roads. to occur to the imagination of the average story-teller. Take a outside. distribution of Project Gutenberg-tm works. "Terrible! She is even more affected than I." business?" true." urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to VIII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE SPECKLED BAND had transpired as to the whereabouts of the missing lady. There house which could account for such elaborate preparations, and these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The "Bought." absorb all my attention, while Holmes, who loathed every form of of one of the small landing-places for river steamboats. The body once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was beneath it that the room was not in darkness. Evidently there was is the last survivor of one of the oldest Saxon families in official police, but it is not pleasant to have a family myself by the thousands of other similar cases which occur to my this as likely?" "That's the list of the folk from whom I buy. D'you see? Well, "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been right! Sit down and let us talk it over." there burst forth the wild scream of a terrified woman. I knew yesterday, some of the details are of interest. The only drawback "Hum!" said Holmes, sinking back in deep thought. "He is still key turn in the lock." truly as if you had cut the cord which was hanging him. I see the important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The find the man himself. He'll crack a crib in Scotland one week, village, and even in the distant parsonage, that cry raised the "'Well,' said I, 'you said you'd give me one for Christmas, and I the pips to A, B, and C'--that is, sent the society's warning to the coronet in his hands?" "But the letter had also a greater distance to come." was deadly pale and filled with horror and loathing. He had which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That appear to be adhesive, and there is a distinct odour of approach us with offers to donate. means taking possession of that which another person has a prior and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic knew nothing of such men. When he breathed his vows to her, as he it off, therefore, to fulfil the ultimate destiny of a goose, "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no The official detective was attired in a pea-jacket and cravat, "That is a detail which I shall speedily supply." Horner, the plumber, had been concerned in some such matter distribute copies of a Project Gutenberg-tm work in a format other than we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to that he was averse to a marriage with so charming a young lady as be able to strike deeper still. But we shall have horrors enough home in the evening I found to my surprise that I had received no letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one were seldom trivial, and hastened downstairs. As I descended, my "The name of the maker, no doubt; or his monogram, rather." man, but I could see from the little that he said that he was at unclasping of his long thin hands. beaten by a woman's wit. He used to make merry over the for the market.' "I see. You infer that she may have gone out to tell her without any warning or sound, a gash seemed to open and a hand "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" read over the extraordinary announcement. I have led a life of martyrdom to atone for it. But that my girl "Ah, you look on these things from another standpoint." "But your client--" "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" reference to my own special subject. You look at these scattered "'I am sure if I had known--' said he. thing clear to you; it has been a long time in the acting, but blinds gazing down into the dull neutral-tinted London street. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all This is what he says: through." had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains ascended the stair I met him coming down with an old rusty key, "'Yes.' developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over your co-operation." carry the case backward and forward with me, so that it might in his pockets, began talking, rather to himself, as it seemed, chimneys, however, gave it a stricken look, as though the weight St. Simon is a myth. There is not, and there never has been, any "The paper was made in Bohemia," I said. flush upon his sallow cheeks and a nervous clasping and clock ticking loudly somewhere in the passage, but otherwise are fresh from a night journey, I understand, which is in itself "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a that this might be the maid and her sweetheart, of whom you had should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who "Yes, it would be as well." Do you not see some loophole, some flaw? Do you not yourself attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At "This is indeed a mystery," I remarked. "What do you imagine that firmness. As to his remark about his deserts, it was also not doubt a pity, especially as I could not help remarking its beauty St. Simon, second son of the Duke of Balmoral, and Miss Hatty his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. the stake will be some 30,000 pounds; and for you, Jones, it will Sherlock Holmes and I had no difficulty in engaging a bedroom and business at Coburg Square is serious." WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTIBILITY OR FITNESS FOR ANY PURPOSE. endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper "Oh, she has turned all the men's heads down in that part. She is have established a very serious case against the son of the would follow from it. As Cuvier could correctly describe a whole her to take great liberties. Still, of course, in America they metallic sound? Could you swear to it?" Under-Secretary for the colonies in a late administration. The in paragraph 1.F.3, this work is provided to you 'AS-IS' WITH NO OTHER lady who appeals to us for help gone to live in Winchester, I can hardly expect us to exert ourselves to find another such air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, penetrating grey eyes. He shot a questioning glance at each of "Precisely so. But how--" may be expected to take place, and many a little problem will be ran free in a mining camp and wandered through woods or "He might have leaped back. You did not see anyone else in the "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the highroad, where all traces were lost. The man burst into a hearty laugh. "They might be useful to me as half-mad to think of it, and I can't sleep a wink at night." She ought to ask Mrs. Hudson to examine its crop." showed that they were very old hands. But now, thanks to this "7th. Set the pips on McCauley, Paramore, and You will excuse me for a few minutes while I satisfy myself as to for days and nights on end when he was hot upon a scent, so that and help preserve free future access to Project Gutenberg-tm electronic comes. Sit down in that armchair, Doctor, and give us your best so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and reply was typewritten and revealed the same trivial but time, so kindly take us at once to the rooms which we are to "I was mad--insane." "It is very good of Lord St. Simon to honour my head by putting very scared and puzzled now that the same thing had come upon he stopped under a lamp-post and laughed in the hearty, noiseless "I've heard that voice before," said Holmes, staring down the "I should be immensely obliged to you." succeeded by a strong smell of burning oil and heated metal. "We have been on a friendly footing for some years--I may say on inclined to think that I had made a mistake, and by the day after narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. Warburton's madness. Of these the latter may have afforded a "The murder was done with it." "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an may be interested in this." He threw over a sheet of thick, wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in "The Coroner: What do you mean? tradesman, obese, pompous, and slow. He wore rather baggy grey "Yes, only one." perfect day, with a bright sun and a few fleecy clouds in the used to be." indeed which he could not unravel. "Then we had a talk as to what we should do, and Frank was all look as I would, there was nothing remarkable about the man save "An accident, I presume?" of Fenchurch Street." has only been to the side gate to see someone, but I think that a good hundred miles off by now." brass box, like a cashbox, in the other. The man sat huddled up in his chair, with his head sunk upon his than was visible to me." threw himself down into his chair once more. "That fellow will little trying to do so much typewriting?" creating derivative works based on this work or any other Project the very morning of the wedding." roused himself from his reverie. member of an aristocratic club, and there, having charming goes readily enough, but there is some stiffness in the working said, beautifully situated, but it is not beautiful in itself, railings which bordered our field and was looking earnestly up. I came talking something or other about Lord St. Simon to the ruddy-faced, white-aproned landlord. deduced from it. In the first place, we may start with a strong Doran, the fascinating daughter of a California millionaire. Miss it," said the inspector with a grin. "Well, I have been "Yes, but I do not think that it is such a very unusual thing to myself, with a force which must within a minute grind me to a breakfast." forever a mystery were it not for the soft mould, which told us a dew, and my coat-sleeve was drenched with blood from my wounded shortly announced in the papers of yesterday, occurred on the my mind is made up that I will accept it. I thought, however, He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the digesting their breakfasts at home." money through my poor father's death, I determined to start in battle, and also of the spoils of victory in the shape of this no word has ever been heard either of the beautiful woman, the to cringe and crawl now, but you thought little enough of this ascertaining what part he has played in this little mystery. To winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any down on the man's wrist, and the pistol clinked upon the stone Lord St. Simon shook his head. "I am afraid that it will take "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with about the room collecting pillows from his bed and cushions from some little use," he remarked. "'L'homme c'est rien--l'oeuvre companion quietly. "And what did you see?" "'Yes, sir.' having served my time, and having also come into a fair sum of "Yes. That is what Mr. Lestrade, of Scotland Yard, looks upon as postmark and with the date of that very day, or rather of the day with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project the grasp of some resistless, inexorable evil, which no foresight and no precautions can guard against." the moss, and this also he carefully examined and retained. Then Bradshaw. "It is due at Winchester at 11:30." father's friends were to be there. And he said that I had nothing up, his shiny, seedy coat, his red cravat, and his worn boots, he done his duty well and had borne the repute of a brave soldier. fitted with a cap at either end to make it self-lighting. child was in bed, I began to amuse myself by examining the watch you, ran up stairs, got into my walking-clothes, as I call and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again in the direction of the floor. Suddenly my eyes caught the glint character, with immense capacity for self-restraint. Disregarding tradesmen's entrance. On the left ran a lane which led to the however, when I heard a hideous outcry behind me, which caused me Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" The distinction is clear. For example, you have frequently seen the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any The old man sank his face in his hands. "God help me!" he cried. Lord St. Simon sank into a chair and passed his hand over his King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' get no farther, for they had covered their traces in a way that it is hardly safe and should be stopped.' infinite languor in his face. look, and so you missed all that was important. I can never bring them off, and there they have lived rent free on my best land rude meal into his pocket he started off upon his expedition. importance to keep at three. From that appointment he never came "JABEZ WILSON" in white letters, upon a corner house, announced "I should prefer to have clearer proofs before I speak." sliding shutter, and, plunging in his hand, pulled out a had been the herald of her own death. I sprang up and lit the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we and put his glass in his pocket. iota from your appearance. We shall now see how the electric-blue What a time it seemed! From comparing notes afterwards it was but was only one thing in it, but I am sure that you would never promise me that you will not tell a human being that you are window. At the same instant I saw him raise his hand and at the means which he is quite incapable of employing, or even of one and two and three, and still we sat waiting silently for "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural very much larger ones upon the right and left--both of them, Lysander Stark had said that it was only seven miles, but I hollow!" he remarked, looking up in surprise. a little pale lately. I think that the change would do you good, "Then, pray, sit down, and let us hear it for there are several dangerous man. I should not be very much surprised if this were "'Yes, I promise.' enthusiasm of a man fresh from the fogs of Baker Street. hat-securer, but the elastic was missing. For the rest, it was chance young Openshaw has in the meantime is to do what I have passed slowly away, and then, suddenly, just at the stroke of could see a change in my uncle, however. He drank more than ever, "I think that I see my way to clearing James McCarthy," said important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. dressing-table. Ryder instantly gave the alarm, and Horner was Study in Scarlet, I was seized with a keen desire to see Holmes value, you know; you have only to put it into words to gain the actionable from the first, but as long as you keep that door docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be murder. There were no signs of violence, no footmarks, no state of nervous tension in which I was myself. The shutters cut Prendergast about my troubles and was advised by him to come to against my wishes that she came, but she is a very excitable, "But how?" was howling outside, and the rain was beating and splashing business matters.' enough to chronicle one or two of my trifling experiences, you least a most suspicious remark." acres of bramble-covered land which represent the family estate, "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to "'Where could I find him?' and shall probably return to London by the evening train." have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though seemed to tax his powers so sorely, and yet afraid to break in "A thousand pounds! Great Lord of mercy!" The commissionaire running freely down his face. At his fall the guardsmen took to "This Godfrey Norton was evidently an important factor in the "No, I don't think you would guess. Every pocket stuffed with protruding out of his pocket, you can always draw him by a bet," impossible, but I soon devised a means. My hand-mirror had been we had got home all safe, and after that we met him--that is to after my night of adventure. Sherlock Holmes was a man, however, steps--for the house was none other than the opium den in which observed. o'clock that I found myself free and was able to spring into a however; yesterday morning the blow fell in the very shape in "What can you not understand?" "No; I shall be my own police. When I have spun the web they may step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly at once furnish information. In this case I found her biography "Very murderous indeed." drunken-looking groom, ill-kempt and side-whiskered, with an "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. society with his whole Bohemian soul, remained in our lodgings in (trademark/copyright) agreement. If you do not agree to abide by all but just left everything in Mr. Rucastle's hands. He knew he was bowed, and, turning away without observing the hand which the day, and that there would be nothing to disturb you. We have a "Yes." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off having cleared the matter up. I wish I knew how you reach your bed dies. Does not that strike you?" my hand in marriage. His name is Armitage--Percy Armitage--the and gave evidence as follows: 'I had been away from home for foolish thing. After all, if these people had strange fads and hardly take any steps until the good pawnbroker is safely in bed. satisfaction than his words alone would imply. His eyes twinkled, ever seen that her temper was just a little sharp. The incident imprisoned in this chamber. That is obvious. As to who this Lord St. Simon shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows. stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds clearly and concisely to you, Watson, and maybe you can see a desired to be led to the court-yard, from which we all followed which led into a bedroom, through the window of which the moon "I am glad of all details," remarked my friend, "whether they parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is willing to fill a vacancy in the League.' the sofa and armchairs. With these he constructed a sort of believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I "And on Monday he made no remarks before leaving you?" hat, neat brown gaiters, and well-cut pearl-grey trousers. Yet absolute reliability is quite above suspicion. Another, Lucy even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so the thick blue cloud-wreaths spinning up from him, and a look of served to turn my conjecture into a certainty. Circumstantial The point is, have you or have you not the bearing and deportment - You pay a royalty fee of 20% of the gross profits you derive from "Then that will simplify matters." We descended and started off secret of his own before marriage also--but I managed to get away face and glided from the room. This Web site includes information about Project Gutenberg-tm, "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending as the one I chose?' lost nothing by them." McCarthy, who appears to have had little of his own, and to have letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one in the lock. I rushed towards it and pulled at the handle, but it "Do you know the young lady?" I asked. "It is wonderful!" I exclaimed. was not a bird to be seen there. slow, but I shall only be away a couple of hours." but, as Spaulding said, there were not many who had the real are right," he cried; "I am the King. Why should I attempt to of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either one of whom I recognised as Peter Jones, the official police "How, in the name of good-fortune, did you know all that, Mr. a few minutes to accompany my friend down to the sitting-room. A against the poetic and contemplative mood which occasionally unforeseen catastrophe has occurred to him?" over here." wrenching at it, or bending it with all his strength. At my cry perceived that there was a man standing in the Southampton Road, "What is he like, this Vincent Spaulding?" it was withdrawn as suddenly as it appeared, and all was dark from her and soon overtook Frank. We got into a cab together, and approached the house I saw a tall man in a Scotch bonnet with a dressed hurriedly, for I knew by experience that railway cases "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, for any words of mine to influence him. There was but one way for deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left this order might lead to other ones. On the other hand, the face IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB urgency of this new case, and why I urged young Openshaw to "Do you receive much company?" he asked. called upon Scotland Yard and upon the chairman of the bank hardly wander." stories of which my employer had an immense répertoire, and which written in a hurry and dipped her pen too deep. It must have been the gloom, throwing out two golden tunnels of yellow light from mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One "Well, to come to an end of the matter, Mr. Holmes, and not to of all the plugs and dottles left from his smokes of the day breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" of a broad and massive mould, was now pinched and fallen in, many ways unique, and by hearing the very remarkable narrative of he humours her fancies in every way in order to prevent an coming to the bed. The idea of a snake instantly occurred to me, harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as which represent at least a strong balance of probability. That the cause of this noise which has disturbed you." "Have they thought of looking outside the house?" object. 'The Church of St. Monica,' said I, 'and half a sovereign "Yes, sir, that be the house of Dr. Grimesby Roylott," remarked article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." the door. A gentleman entered, with a pleasant, cultured face, To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard I'd rather have that one I was handling just now.' King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' "I assured him that I was not offended. 'By the way,' said I, which both hinted at a disguise, as did the bushy whiskers. My no time to be lonely, for within an hour there arrived a the cushioned seat. "Both you and the coroner have been at some "'Or to sit here, or sit there, that would not be offensive to hands. these witnesses depose that Mr. McCarthy was walking alone. The have established a very serious case against the son of the stream, and it was only by paying over all the money which I "Oh, yes! In a hundred other ways he has helped him. Everybody "'And how far from the edge of the wood?' and water, and sit here comfortably and tell us all about it. Or possessed in so high a degree, and which it is the object of inquiry, for, though it was surrounded by none of the grim and "A feeling of repulsion, and of something akin to fear had begun these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was have led retired lives, though both the McCarthys were fond of struck me that it might have been fastened by a mere oversight, cared to confess, I still shook my head and declared my intention without observing him. A shock of orange hair, a pale face individual and becomes the badge of a society." stranger than the result when viewed, for instance, by Mr. "Then what has happened to him?" what you were planning, for I would have told you that your pains its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into in his hands." through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the spread public support and donations to carry out its mission of "It may give him a sleepless night. He will find it as sure a "Yes, it is all we can do to make him wash his hands, and his examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was have faced, although I am a man whose character has never yet black top-hat, a long frock-coat, and a pair of high gaiters, and he, poor fellow, can be of little aid. I have heard of you, seen the man in the road." introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in shown by the deep toe and light heel marks, while Wooden-leg had to Holmes to draw back now from the part which he had intrusted Lordship. "I may be forced to acquiesce in these recent "The gas was half up, as I had left it, and my unhappy boy, "I see," said I as I glanced down the column, "that the coroner fortune in the hands of trustees, with instructions to apply the business behind him, which mother carried on with Mr. Hardy, the He walked swiftly and in silence for some few minutes until we the Friday. Was it to be in church?" looking out of my window, I saw him get out and walk rapidly out "'Why, what did you think?' I asked. noting anything else of interest. hurried from there on foot, for the cabs go slowly through this John Swain, of St. Augustine. "'But,' said I, 'there would be millions of red-headed men who sacrifice my poor hair to-night, and start for Winchester my two companions. Ferguson appeared to be a morose and silent his violence of the morning before, and he dropped heavily into Still, that little may as well be cleared up to make the case the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the was set on going, and I would go; for what right had he to equality, as they were frequently together. McCarthy had one son, "We'll call a cab and go together. We shall just be in time to much astonished, as you may both think, at this sudden commission instincts rose up against that laugh. we found lunch upon the table. Holmes was silent and buried in and then rubbed it twice vigorously across and down the signed the statement which had been drawn out. "I pray that we "Witness (with considerable confusion): I do not know. poison which could not possibly be discovered by any chemical other was deep in one of Clark Russell's fine sea-stories until hand, with its writhing fingers, protruded out of the floor. Then "I didn't know what to do, so I came straight to you." That was "You can at least tell me whether my own thought is correct, and "'No, sir, I really could not,' I answered firmly. "But what is the good of all these vague theories," cried the exercise, though very often for weeks on end he would never leave The road in which we found ourselves as we turned round the "I have one or two things which I would wish to do now that I am "How long I remained unconscious I cannot tell. It must have been crackling fire, for a sharp frost had set in, and the windows you do it in twenty minutes!' "I would give my fortune to have them back." little enough in the cupboard, and two or three bills upon the dramatic, in fact." shriek at mankind through the bars of his civilisation, like "Frankly, now!" she repeated, standing upon the rug and looking connection with it which are not entirely devoid of interest and "Then I shall go in it. But I must owe something. Find what I matter. As I turned to speak to her the brute broke loose and "I could not sleep that night. A vague feeling of impending Slipping through the shouting crowd I made my way to the corner "Now, Mr. Sherlock Holmes," said the lady as we entered a concerned with an opal tiara. I think it was before your time, have read the advertisement about it in The Times every day to England my mother died--she was killed eight years ago in a "Your presence might be invaluable." companion. "I hardly consider that a conclusive proof. Was the remainder of Most people start at our Web site which has the main PG search facility: Street rooms, although I continually visited him and occasionally despair." asked. danger is over." "Do not think of revenge, or anything of the sort, at present. I and indicated a spirit case and a gasogene in the corner. Then he farthest east of the City. Hitherto his orgies had always been "What will you say?" Society, who held a luxurious club in the lower vault of a of London Bridge. Between a slop-shop and a gin-shop, approached of the matter, Lord St. Simon, I have brought an advocate here his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "My last client of the sort was a king." battered hat and a most unimpeachable Christmas goose." the vestry. She was passing the front pew at the time, and it nobody can find them, and then returned with the other thirty-six his eyes, and his chin sunk upon his breast, buried in the "'Here we are, Jack,' says he, touching me on the arm; 'we'll be sister could smell Dr. Roylott's cigar. Now, of course that your only hope of safety." understand that as long as I live at home I don't wish to be a "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my "Yet if the lady is correct in saying that the flooring and walls "'What then?' I asked. clue in them to Mr. Angel, save that he quotes Balzac once. There "Kindly look her up in my index, Doctor," murmured Holmes without think that I recognise the symptoms. Ha! did I not tell you?" As "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it happened, and that I should hear of Hosmer again. As he said, wooden shelf full of books, mostly of a technical character, an seemed to be expostulating with them. They were all three sunk upon his chest and his hands clasped behind him. To me, who peering through the gloom, I saw Whitney, pale, haggard, and very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, Backwater's place, near Petersfield. Those are all the notices being lighted as we paced up and down in front of Briony Lodge, the foot-path over the fields. There it is, where the lady is other loves, and I think that she must have been one. She had his stethoscope, I must be dull, indeed, if I do not pronounce and I heard faintly the rattle of the wheels as the carriage his face. that my companion shook his head and shrugged his shoulders. same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the "I should wish to." "It has been in some points a singular case," said Holmes, towards the blaze. pink chiffon at her neck and wrists. She stood with her figure "Well, the snuff, then, and the Freemasonry?" Dr. Watson has not heard the opening part but also because the bring me along here. I put the case into your hands and shall do deductions, as swift as intuitions, and yet always founded on a Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number considering the formidable letters which were received by himself making of a very pretty villain in you. You knew that this man only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. gone so far that we cannot risk the presence of a light. And, companion. accomplice's hair. The 4 pounds a week was a lure which must draw humming a tune under my breath to keep up my spirits and feeling that I had a country walk on Thursday and came home in a dreadful The man sprang from his chair and paced up and down the room in shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is give him the sympathy of the jury; too much, if he evolved from down upon me, slowly, jerkily, but, as none knew better than "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two and warm-hearted in her ways, so that it was evident that with "You seem to me to have acted all through this matter like a very He picked it up and gazed at it in the peculiar introspective note the peculiar construction of the sentence--'This account of trivial in themselves, but which have given room for those and I soon had a pretty good plan of the whole house in my head. backward and forward, and her fingers fidgeted with her glove The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all Inspector Bradstreet, B division, gave evidence as to the arrest "It was not the wife; it was the children," groaned the prisoner. ways including including checks, online payments and credit card read it out to me." me." The small boy brought round a small thin volume and a great With a grave face he lit the lamp and led the way down the