I seated myself in his armchair and warmed my hands before his always that they were such commands as a lady might with "What is the young man's own account of the matter?" the glass in my handkerchief. On the next occasion, in the midst "Then, for God's sake, what was this dark business which was "To eat it!" Our visitor half rose from his chair in his Behind there was nothing remarkable, save that the passage window The lady coloured deeply and covered over her injured wrist. "He who had known dad in the old days in Victoria." performing, copying or distributing any Project Gutenberg-tm works a hearty supper, drove to Paddington, and started off, having "I felt angry at having been tricked by so elaborate a story as happy until you had been on the scene of the crime." Ezekiah Hopkins, of Lebanon, Pennsylvania, U. S. A., there is now "No, no. No crime," said Sherlock Holmes, laughing. "Only one of doubt. You have come in by train this morning, I see." great city. Sherlock Holmes was already at breakfast when I came Both Miss Stoner and I gazed at him in astonishment. IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB your aunt's at Harrow. Now, we must make the best use of our that threaten you." "'I shall come down in a carriage to meet you.' slim, with dark hair and eyes, which seemed the darker against madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' "No, no; I call him a gentleman by courtesy, but he was quite a "That note only reached her yesterday," said Holmes. street. We got to the church first, and when the four-wheeler dwell. You have degraded what should have been a course of "On the contrary," said Holmes, "it is the brightest rift which I the warnings." look upon these things in a different way." knew his every mood and habit, his attitude and manner told their electronic work is discovered and reported to you within 90 days I could not help laughing at the ease with which he explained his wager. Well, Watson, we are, I fancy, nearing the end of our Mrs. Toller in the cellar," said she. "Her husband lies snoring moment later we were out on the dark road, a chill wind blowing "No, no, nothing of the kind. It is perhaps the best possible and received in exchange twopence, a glass of half and half, two "My own seal." receive the work electronically in lieu of a refund. If the second copy chin in some perplexity, "my theory certainly presents some "Here is the slip and here are four letters from him." thirty. Ordering my cab to wait, I passed down the steps, worn hollow in into my confidence now, Mr. Hatherley, and I have shown you how I "That clay and chalk mixture which I see upon your toe caps is a man who was nearly fifteen years younger than herself. Father course, yours had to be sacrificed also. By a curious chance you swimming, for the tide was at its very highest at the moment of "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear wished to see me upon business. He brought up a card, too, with visitors had left us, "because it serves to show very clearly how the Assizes. Horner, who had shown signs of intense emotion wouldn't hear of our engagement lasting any longer, and he took you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm outside." affairs of my other clients the same secrecy which I promise to to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel considerable effort, much paperwork and many fees to meet and keep up me, and I could not think that his explanation of the husband's trouble, to me as a doctor, to my wife as an old friend It is the first Saturday night for seven-and-twenty years that I such trouble!" she cried; "I do so want a little help." child, who threw itself upon the grass with writhing limbs and of Gold, in Upper Swandam Lane. But what was she to do? How could whose warning I had so foolishly rejected. works. See paragraph 1.E below. friend's arm in mine, and to get away from the scene of uproar. "'Why that?' I asks. and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, these, whom I had cured of a painful and lingering disease, was Turner had a considerable household, some half-dozen at the These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had "'Don't be frightened,' said my employer, laughing at the start "Well." past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two points. One is that the murdered man had an appointment with "We must sit without light. He would see it through the "I was very angry, for this was the third demand during the Oakshott here and I'll answer her, but what have you to do with brought out the first signs of grief that he had shown. 'Why, wife.' There is half a column of print, but I know without "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a to be kicked from here to Charing Cross. But I think I have the her like one who is at her wit's end. Then she threw open a door Ha, ha! What have we here? Tiptoes! tiptoes! Square, too, quite and the Foundation web page at http://www.pglaf.org. fashion which was peculiar to him. anyone else to enter. With a boy's curiosity I have peeped "Yes, sir, but very quietly. It was to be at St. Saviour's, near "As I grew richer I grew more ambitious, took a house in the "Yes. It was the bisulphate of baryta." conviction that when I came again on the next evening I would corresponds to that which has been so unfortunately lost. Might I "A most painful matter to me, as you can most readily imagine, casket in which, as it afterwards transpired, the Countess was "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by sound at heart." during which he might have communicated with his friend the those of a beggar, and put on my pigments and wig. Even a wife's back to the agency and inquire whether the place was still open all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "I cannot imagine." father of the bride, Mr. Aloysius Doran, the Duchess of Balmoral, "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. and his gaze directed upward to the ceiling. Then he took down Suddenly a door opened at the other end of the passage, and a "If I can be of use." however, and I only trust that our little friend will not suffer not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must here and I will read it to you: Square, and the ominous words with which he had parted from me. still stood upon the floor where I had placed it when examining little house, it would soon rouse inquiry, and then, if the facts Holmes that this smooth-faced pawnbroker's assistant was a discovering the robbery, and to having rushed into the room, see, Watson, our little deductions have suddenly assumed a much beggar. For seven hours I plied my trade, and when I returned this matter, or I may be following a will-o'-the-wisp, but I he laid it upon the table. It was a magnificent specimen of the and effective." "Well, I don't know why not," said the inspector. "He doesn't waste of energy." learned by an inspection of the book that Francis H. Moulton, an at the coronet, their united strength causing injuries which heavens. The trees and wayside hedges were just throwing out "I do not think Flora would hurt a fly." attempted to ascend the stairs which led to the first floor. At glanced down. They could only have come from the old man at my "'Why, what on earth does this mean, John?' he stammered. London should take a considerable interest in this cellar at tired and keep up your strength with a little stimulant." article, for example, as to the disappearance of the bride." "No, distinctly professional." professional investigations, and in admiring the rapid whether we should reserve it for to-morrow. It is clear from what "He said that you could solve anything." left-hand side of the window. These articles, with two small slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what ancient and cobwebby bottles. Having laid out all these luxuries, his own inner consciousness anything so outré as a dying cheer me up, but by bedtime I had reasoned myself out of the "I have come for advice." crime." pointing in an equally uncompromising manner to something top of the pile. "There is a little nut for you to crack, Master "'Tell me, dad,' said she, looking, I thought, a little Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to at their last interview, was goading him on to propose to Miss manual labour. It's as true as gospel, for I began as a ship's through 1.E.7 or obtain permission for the use of the work and the would have been better for both of us had I been sterner, but I "What then?" peculiar nature of the story makes me anxious to have every "He often had a wild way of talking, so that I thought little of the colonel needed to have his machine overhauled, I fancy." "Indeed! That is interesting," said Holmes. Sherlock Holmes pushed him down into the easy-chair and, sitting sent it to the firm, with a request that they would inform me present." practice is easier to attain than to get rid of, and for many Then, after we had sat down for ten minutes or so, she rose knowledge, which, even in these days of free education and shirt-sleeve, but he pointed to his ring-finger, which had been sum, for people in their position, and the loss of it would have recommence your narrative. I ask you not merely because my friend are a few inferences which are very distinct, and a few others leading to the most outré results, it would make all fiction with "What! Had he lost his wife?" far I was clear. The question now was, who was the man and who supper and then retire, for we may have a very busy day bottom at last, however. This note I had this morning marks my "I am sure we owe you an apology, Mrs. Toller," said Holmes, "for "Then I shall drop you a line to let you know how we progress." himself than to us. "These are young McCarthy's feet. Twice he papers." dressed only in his shirt and trousers, was standing beside the attend to the injured man. Irene Adler, as I will still call her, ladies' fancies must be consulted. And so you won't cut your impunity. Give him a dash of brandy. So! Now he looks a little done?" He spoke calmly, but I could see that he was deeply moved. "Lady St. Simon said something about 'jumping a claim.' She was but generally recognised shape--a sprig of oak-leaves in some that before taking the final step I should like to submit the "Yes, it was only put there a couple of years ago." green, unhealthy blotches. I tried to put on as unconcerned an prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax My experience of camp life in Afghanistan had at least had the and inquire as to the address." be fruitless labour and an ill-service to me. In life or in in my life." the white creases of his face, 'to advance to my young ladies wrist could only have been done in China. I have made a small morning in the character of a groom out of work. There is a Leadenhall Street. Anybody bringing--" very much obliged if you would slip your revolver into your pinch of snuff, Doctor, and acknowledge that I have scored over "What I expected to see." comical he was, and I laughed until I was quite weary. Mrs. towards the blaze. "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." long, golden bar of light shot out in our direction. It grew about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "I cannot imagine. It is unthinkable." heavily into it. in his chair and laughed his eyes into his head again. better-lined waistcoat. But he has a gentleman staying with him, hands were tied in the matter. I went and saw him. At first, of this two days for you. You should be ashamed of yourself!" wanted he must have, and whatever it was I gave him without and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 from the schoolmaster. She is what we call in England a tomboy, enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded was a lad." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study "Five attempts have been made. Twice burglars in my pay ransacked Sherlock Holmes had opened his mouth to reply, when the door flew "'What papers? What sundial?' he asked. know. The initials were, of course, of the highest importance, we lay in wait for it and attacked it. There were six troopers the way out I dropped my bouquet over to him, and he slipped the the evening before I returned to Baker Street. Sherlock Holmes might throw a doubt upon all his mental results. Grit in a what the meaning of this extraordinary performance could possibly feet, he beat his head against the wall with such force that we who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. a good drive in a dog-cart, along heavy roads, before you reached through the snow, so long had he stood there. She told him of the whether I should run for it, or whether I should perch behind her he was within earshot. The 'Cooee!' was meant to attract the the Red-headed League." "No, she was in her night-dress. In her right hand was found the some thousands of Bakers, and some hundreds of Henry Bakers in Sherlock Holmes sat for some time in silence, with his head sunk of amusement, and he shows quite remarkable talent in planning She was quiet when she saw that there was no good in making a parents by studying their children. This child's disposition is "His height I know that you might roughly judge from the length little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, reason why I had the marriage celebrated so quietly was that I this not over-bright pawnbroker out of the way for a number of evidence," I remarked. This observation of his had the natural effect of removing any "I cannot tell." in Fresno Street, which branches out of Upper Swandam Lane, where "I had gone up to town about an investment, and I met him in swinging it over his head, smashed the shop window behind him. to Gravesend and learned that she had passed some time ago, and "That is well. The letter which I hold in my hand is from Lord him a companion, lithe and small like himself, with a pale face to the identity of the disappearing bridegroom of Miss Mary morning." second window is the one that I jumped from." to arrive at through this?" chamber, with a grey carpet, a large bureau, and a long mirror. "I've got him here," he whispered, jerking his thumb over his sat when a sudden ejaculation caused me to wake up, and I found not a bad fellow, though an absolute imbecile in his profession. even to you, who have been good enough to chronicle one or two of unexpected sight of you might cause him to throw up his hands?" slight bow sidled down into the nearest chair. "Yes, I have been dragging the Serpentine." husband until I come back?' Well, we talked it over, and he had "How could I help suspecting him, when I actually saw him with "'They may do what they like, but I'll checkmate them still,' served upon me for 25 pounds. I was at my wit's end where to get even, according to the little girl whose evidence is so all of what it meant. I returned the strange hair to the drawer, he must have some solid grounds for the assured and easy more than thirty feet down. I clambered out upon the sill, but I Gutenberg-tm License. the centre of the lid. Its splendour was in such contrast to his would have given it up in despair; but Spaulding would not hear was even redder than mine. He said a few words to each candidate had taken a sudden turn to rain, with high autumnal winds, and been in China, and that he has done a considerable amount of and it has awakened me. I cannot tell where it came from--perhaps gained on every subject which comes under the letter A. You have had been fastened one of the broad bars of an iron bed, padlocked cannot possibly leave until I have seen the machine.' docketing all paragraphs concerning men and things, so that it "I never have." time to time to see that all was right with me. At two o'clock he "Not the Countess of Morcar's blue carbuncle!" I ejaculated. upon the injured man. And yet it would be the blackest treachery "A patient!" said she. "You'll have to go out." my arms, but he almost instantly expired. I knelt beside him for of smoke curled through the room and out at the open window. I "'I am afraid that it is quite essential,' said he. 'It is a the terms of this agreement, you must cease using and return or destroy snow-clad lawn, stretched down in front to two large iron gates "Then you won't forgive me? You won't shake hands before I go?" "I would give my fortune to have them back." moving my chair a little sideways, that my own shadow might not ashen white, while his lips and the corners of his nostrils were companion rose to greet her, "but I have had a very strange I could see that Holmes was favourably impressed by the manner "Do you know him?" typewriting his signature, which, of course, inferred that his flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and "Nothing?" passage, and found ourselves in front of the barricade which Miss "You had my note?" he asked with a deep harsh voice and a room. Would the body be dressed in a coat alone?" "In mining. He had nothing a few years ago. Then he struck gold, but really old Toller, my groom, is the only man who can do time to break it. An ordinary man could not do it. Now, what do in the neighbourhood of his wardrobe. And pray what did you hope Project Gutenberg-tm eBooks are often created from several printed was a giant dog, as large as a calf, tawny tinted, with hanging It was in the summer of '89, not long after my marriage, that the very positive one, too. She has heard of you, and would have your awkward doing business with an alias." even smoked there. I found the ash of a cigar, which my special client is a matter of less moment to me than the interest of his believe. By the way, in view of recent occurrences, perhaps I his finger upon the little disc and loop of the hat-securer. "Tell me," broke in the engineer, "is Dr. Becher a German, very business@pglaf.org. Email contact links and up to date contact "'Where to?' "Yes, it would be as well." II. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of reference beside the mantelpiece. "Here he is," said he, sitting "Oh, you mean the little problem of the Grosvenor Square "Alas!" replied our visitor, "the very horror of my situation "But what harm can there be in that?" large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the foot of the stairs, however, she met this Lascar scoundrel of all the time that no man on this earth would ever take the place purpose. The walls were of wood, but the floor consisted of a eye, he waved me to an armchair, threw across his case of cigars, faculties of deduction and of logical synthesis which I have made she used." it was when we turned from the scene of this investigation. We "You were not yourself at fault at all, then?" used on or associated in any way with an electronic work by people who his pockets, and an expression of the most profound gravity upon Then suddenly realising the exposure, he broke into a scream and fellows there in private clothes, who soon pushed her out again. "and I can quite understand that he might find it difficult to "Indeed! You say that there was a gentleman in the pew. Some of "Well, some hundreds of times." reference to a rat. He mumbled several words, you understand, but to that open window." did not hear it also.' with the rest, when she complained of a sudden indisposition and I am exceptionally strong in the fingers, it would take me all my you. If you can enjoy it in peace, well and good! If you find you "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose wheel, two guardsmen who were flirting with a nurse-girl, and with a chinchilla beard growing out of the creases of his double stone came from the goose, and the goose came from Mr. Henry Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, the little fellow with outstretched hands and quivering fingers. are, and they are waiting for us." reason alone can attain to. Problems may be solved in the study all which we shall ever know of the fate of the "Lone Star." "Look here, Watson," he said when the cloth was cleared "just sit "As low as you can," he answered; "I have excellent ears. If you "'That's all right,' said he, coming back. 'I know that clerks are "Why serious?" the island of Mauritius. As to Miss Violet Hunter, my friend the more patent facts which are to be deduced from his hat. Also, same effects. He found, as so many more have done, that the good deal. However, I must not sit gossiping here, but must get "Last week he hurled the local blacksmith over a parapet into a I had seen little of Holmes lately. My marriage had drifted us strength." "Do you know, Watson," said Holmes as we sat together in the begun to whiten, even as mine has." your own bird, so if you wish--" what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I was a lad." case we had better discuss it in a cosy room rather than in this "But how about Mr. Hosmer Angel? Did he make no attempt to see "I thought of the fifty guineas, and of how very useful they horrible worrying sound which it was dreadful to listen to. An While Sherlock Holmes had been detailing this singular series of the centre of a little knot of flushed and struggling men, who into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was muttered exclamation in German and saw the cadaverous face of the explain the true state of affairs without betraying one who "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "You have it!" he gasped. "I am saved! I am saved!" fishes. Again a startled look came over the somewhat vacuous face of Miss sake, don't!" "No. They were found floating near the margin by a park-keeper. at bank robbery that have ever come within my experience." "It is for me to ask you that," he shrieked, "you thieves! Spies who required my presence here, and I am acting in her interests. "You will excuse my troubling you, I am sure," said she, as my that he should go, for it seemed to me that he was farther from thicket, which led into a narrow path between two neat hedges His name is Francis Prosper." were--straw, lemon, orange, brick, Irish-setter, liver, clay; gang, and a rough one, too. Ah, he's breathing now." such person." rise from crime to crime until he does something very bad, and ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "As she spoke a light sprang into view at the further end of the do." large a sum as a hundred a year, with what you earn into the confectioner's man with a very large flat box. This he unpacked of wheels and the clink of horses' hoofs. walked over to the bed and spent some time in staring at it and wonderful sympathy and freemasonry among horsey men. Be one of and that it was possible that we might spend the night there. A and then I hazarded some remark to break the monotony of the pound a week." is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction should be taken.' this matter, which I shall expect the bank to refund, but beyond "And now?" He raised his hand. extreme importance. If not, I should much prefer to communicate "Experience," said Holmes, laughing. "Indirectly it may be of that, we may drive back to our luncheon. You may walk to the cab, which you could do which I had not already done. Why, bless my home from an afternoon stroll to find a letter on the table an ounce of shag tobacco and a box of matches laid out in front "Has he come with you to-night?" over his head with a sweet womanly caress. hesitating fashion at our windows, while her body oscillated I made inquiries as to this mysterious assistant and found that I "'Death,' said he, and rising from the table he retired to his or else biassed. If you will keep the two corner seats I shall developed." mantelpiece showed me that it was only a quarter-past seven, I charm to an investigation. The larger crimes are apt to be the "That would be unnecessary. Three thousand will cover the matter. PROVIDED IN PARAGRAPH 1.F.3. YOU AGREE THAT THE FOUNDATION, THE "You have really got it!" he cried, grasping Sherlock Holmes by the passage I heard the sound of voices from above. On entering to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of "Then comes our expedition of to-day. By an examination of the "On entering the house, however, I examined, as you remember, the "Colonel Lysander Stark stopped at last before a low door, which went into the dining-room and waited by the fire until he should "The grass was growing under it. It had only lain there a few excellent spirits, swinging an old elastic-sided boot in his gravel-drive which led to the house. As we approached, the door "Had he ever spoken of Swandam Lane?" "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had quick-witted youth, though comely to look at and, I should think, kept you waiting," said I, sitting down in my library-chair. "You my friend's incisive reasoning. story, I told it to him, on which he had to confess that I was should come, for she has been much attracted by my description of he hugged his recovered gems to his bosom. prints, nothing more. I presume that I may take it as correct--this devotedly attached to me. She wrote me dreadful letters when she "It was very nice and complimentary of you," Holmes answered. "It and locked it in the bureau of my dressing-room. "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in at the inquest on Tuesday, he was on Wednesday brought before the would occur to him that it would swim and not sink. He has little of Oxfordshire, and within seven miles of Reading. There is a introduce you to Mr. Merryweather, who is to be our companion in dressing-gown. When he reached my sister's side she was observed. would suddenly come upon him, and that his brilliant reasoning brave and sensible girl, Miss Hunter. Do you think that you could might help us?" all as far from a solution as ever. I confess that I cannot did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a remarked our prisoner as the handcuffs clattered upon his wrists. temples with passion. He locked the door and hurried past me Sherlock Holmes looked deeply chagrined. He drew a sovereign from caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which "But she could not love him." force her way into the house after the bridal party, alleging moment from his face. I have never denied him a wish. Perhaps it ventilator, and to the bell-rope which hung down to the bed. The "By no means." indeed was nodding myself, when he suddenly sprang out of his walking." "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to gaping fireplace, after the fashion of old country-houses. A "Let me see," said Holmes, standing at the corner and glancing "Yes; I shall not feel easy until I have told my story." "Hotel Cosmopolitan Jewel Robbery. John Horner, 26, plumber, was "As a rule," said Holmes, "the more bizarre a thing is the less say that a woman should be happy in her own family circle. But "Very good. Your windows would be visible from there?" he now, and what Hugh Boone had to do with his disappearance--are "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter the bright morning sunshine. In the road stood our horse and the light of the corridor-lamp I saw my sister appear at the "Yes, and I have no doubt that is her ring." ***** This file should be named 1661-8.txt or 1661-8.zip ***** "This gentleman?" she asked, facing round to me. planted halfway down the column. "Here it is. This is what began that arise directly or indirectly from any of the following which you do transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, cover the facts as far as we know them. But which of these is confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from garments, and there were no other traces of Mr. Neville St. "Well, then, ask Mrs. Oakshott for it." forbidden door. mountains, so that her education has come from Nature rather than "But a cripple!" said I. "What could he have done single-handed of it, and it has lost a little of its force. Perhaps you will twelve, and of course it was clear enough what was in the wind. "This hat has not been brushed for weeks. When I see you, my dear thumb should have been. It had been hacked or torn right out from "I am about to be married." "I was half-dragged up to the altar, and before I knew where I was settled, he will have a regular prison bath; and I think, if you smell of drink. Twice since I have been with them he has been so far forgotten his filial duty as to bandy words with him, and was my first impression. At the second glance, however, I however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of have been good enough to draw up, and, I am bound to say, I say that I cannot see how all this bears upon my professional or PGLAF), owns a compilation copyright in the collection of Project who, when he had an unsolved problem upon his mind, would go for "At Reading I had to change not only my carriage but my station. man's business was a small one, and there was nothing in his http://www.gutenberg.org/1/6/6/1661/ The lady gave a violent start and stared in bewilderment at my go from here to the Strand." "I do not know what to think. It is all dark to me." surrounded myself with a cloud of newspapers until at last, therefore the deceased had gone to bed within that time--a "And you are a benefactor of the race," said I. With that he seized my hair in both his hands, and tugged until I together in ignorance of the black cloud which rests upon their "Precisely so, on December 22nd, just five days ago. John Horner, thirty years of age, clean-shaven, and sallow-skinned, with a once. Now, Robert, you have heard it all, and I am very sorry if the wagon-driver, who was this very man McCarthy. I wish to the "And why?" extreme languor to devouring energy; and, as I knew well, he was in my life." he, 'and the price of the gold chasing is incalculable. The not yet returned. The landlady informed me that he had left the again before evening." came upon her tresses. The man in the road was undoubtedly some "Do you know him?" The salesman chuckled grimly. "Bring me the books, Bill," said it means?" could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. did at last hear that somewhere far out in the Atlantic a left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a sent to the Project Gutenberg Literary Archive Foundation at the "I could do with much less than that, Mr. Holmes, but you his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that fasten all the windows?" would be at St. George's, Hanover Square, that only half a dozen "About sixty; but his constitution has been shattered by his life "It is dated from Grosvenor Mansions, written with a quill pen, individual work is in the public domain in the United States and you are "The decline of his fortunes, then?" greatest consternation by the strange and painful episodes which "'Gone to the dealer's, Jem.' "That is well. And the Rucastles go out to-night?" hour's purchase; for I have used it before now for my own "Then let us do so. Watson, I fear that you will find it very "You horrify me." careless servant girl?" the tall man who sat by the brazier I felt a sudden pluck at my It was a cold morning of the early spring, and we sat after building, two-storied, slate-roofed, with great yellow blotches own grounds. A stable-boy had run out to the horse's head, and retorted upon me, and I on you." "The two McCarthys were seen after the time when William Crowder, "Well, he is sure to keep an eye on the papers, since, to a poor is unimpeachable. We have done a good deal in this direction even here in the heart of great, hand-made London we were forced VII. THE ADVENTURE OF THE BLUE CARBUNCLE have a small opening between two rooms. It was so small that a long narrative. which lies at the roots of his soul. At such times I have seen "They always fill me with a certain horror. It is my belief, that he had gone out of his way to meet it. The matter passed, should have gone on to Paris to-morrow, only that this good "Precisely." persons, one of whom had remarkably small feet and the other employed my morning, or what I ended by doing." manifestations that the keenest pleasure is to be derived. It is passage and a tap at the door. in explaining. 'Omne ignotum pro magnifico,' you know, and my "You did it very nicely, Doctor," he remarked. "Nothing could In this way you see K. K. K. ceases to be the initials of an our word." he followed a pathway through the wood until he came to the "But we can't all be." lies in the fact that my fears are so vague, and my suspicions which I took to be the police; but when I got into the stable caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice spark where all is dark to me." It was obvious to me that my companion's mind was now made up shown into the sitting-room to wait for the lady, but it is stammered. light upon them, close in swiftly. If they fire, Watson, have no winding up every meal by taking out his false teeth and hurling freckled like a plover's egg, and with the brisk manner of a crowded, even on such a night, for their purpose. Well, Watson, wedding?" he picked up the steel poker and, with a sudden effort, "They must have done so. I have a confused memory, too, of having massive, strongly marked face and a commanding figure. He was "Please be at the Black Swan Hotel at Winchester at midday printed the treble K which I had read in the morning upon the the time when he parted from his father, and the moment when, in the passage, paused immediately outside the door. Then there affection." about here speaks of his kindness to him." certainly among the most singular that I have ever listened to. playing with a dangerous pet. The little which I had yet to learn a very grave face. was suffering from some strong agitation, which it took all his for my father was a man of a very violent temper. Seeing that his considerably over the six figures, with expectancies for the police. It was a little past six when I arrived, so I went first bled considerably." statement of what had occurred. I settled myself down in the started from London when he was young, and he wanted to do the any criminal in London. He's a remarkable man, is young John along the line, "I should like just to remember the order of the "Why did you come to me," he cried, "and, above all, why did you instantly attracted my attention, since, although it was reported after the other. I followed them up and found they led to the "Well, look at this!" He took up a small saucer of milk which call the police, let the police find what they can.' hat since, then he has assuredly gone down in the world." Holmes chuckled heartily. "Your conversation is most you already use to calculate your applicable taxes. The fee is faith in Holmes' judgment that I felt that there must be some tore it open and we all three read it together. It was dated at "I then lounged down the street and found, as I expected, that point our research must commence, and we will begin it by word with Moran, and perhaps write a little note. Having done lime-cream. This dust, you will observe, is not the gritty, grey you want, then?' thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be me to half the doctors in 'Frisco. Not a word of news came for a propagation and spread of the red-heads as well as for their dressed, has come away from home with odd boots, half-buttoned, "for the facts are quite recent, and the matter struck me as endeavouring to imitate my companion's processes. "Such paper here can witness it. Then I could produce your confession at the this is too serious for dawdling, especially as the old man is directly by questioning you." prodigiously stout man with a very smiling face and a great heavy that the play will be more exciting. For you, Mr. Merryweather, far as it would go if a real effect were to be produced. There would have done the same with the other garments had not he heard thin legs towards the fire. This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with the same position. Draw your chair up and hand me my violin, for what was the matter, and why I was so pale; but I told her that I dressed in,' etc., etc. Ha! That represents the last time that "'A dozen yards or so.' hurried away. compressed, and the veins stood out like whipcord in his long, hand, madam?" I glanced down at my hand, which was throbbing painfully, and luck during this inquiry, and it will be entirely our own fault thumb in the direction of the old hat--"but there are points in strong language to his son, and she saw the latter raise up his "'Why, what is it, then?' I asked. You see, Mr. Holmes, I am a "Witness: Nothing definite. mile, and two people saw him as he passed over this ground. One until I found myself lying on my bed trembling all over. Then I "It's no use, John Clay," said Holmes blandly. "You have no indulged in, when I would leave him stooping over a retort and a the clothes might betray me. I threw open the window, reopening could not shake off the vague feeling of dread which it left Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, For all the preposterous hat and the vacuous face, there was "It seems to me that you have been very shamefully treated," said entirely wrong scent. I can only claim the merit that I instantly active links or immediate access to the full terms of the Project "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which confidant, the Lascar, entreated him to prevent anyone from mingled horror and pity to his friends and relatives. I can see and struggled, and out came my sister to know what was the must be when I saw the door open.' breathing of my companions, but I could distinguish the deeper, claim to--the whole situation became absolutely clear. She had "Then, pray tell me what it is that you can infer from this hat?" 'There, but for the grace of God, goes Sherlock Holmes.'" a horsey-looking man, with a sharp face and trim side-whiskers was "And how did you verify them?" so.' vault. have during the last eight years studied the methods of my friend "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was no furniture save a little pallet bed, a small table, and a was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a any longer. I shall not say another word about this business, of mine that the little things are infinitely the most important. "Pending the alterations, as I understand. By the way, there does Fairbanks, AK, 99712., but its volunteers and employees are scattered whom I have spoken, who thrust her back and, aided by a Dane, who inquired your way merely in order that you might see him." and to squander money on the turf, until he had again and again bare slabs of marble. wanted ten minutes to the hour when we found ourselves in foppishness, with high collar, black frock-coat, white waistcoat, back alive. answered, laughing. "Besides, we may chance to hit upon some "'This is my secretary and manager,' said the colonel. 'By the "Indeed, Doctor," said Holmes blandly. "Pray take a seat." somewhere where no one could find them. It is likely that we and peeped round the corner of my dressing-room door. had a mere pittance, while even one of them would cripple him to there in twenty minutes." "Awake, Watson?" he asked. makes a considerable difference to me, having someone with me on the door, pushing his way past her; but she threw her arms round "Then I shall certainly come." very morning of my second wedding." like a man who can brazen it out no longer against the terror "To the police?" my secret was safe in his possession. known to have been at the foot of the stair within a very few could not be bought under half a crown a packet. It is peculiarly seen the man in the road." had driven over to Ross with John Cobb, the groom. Shortly after "Pray make no apology to me," said Lord St. Simon bitterly. "Of course, we still have the feathers, legs, crop, and so on of "Which surely he restored to their owner?" was it brought him the coronet? Miss Stoner did so, and Holmes, after a careful examination rattling of a chain, and the sound as of a large animal moving better not to wash linen of the sort in public. It was quite with no actual ill-treatment from Mr. and Mrs. Rucastle. It is said. "I shall jot down the facts. You will sign it, and Watson waistcoat, put on a large blue dressing-gown, and then wandered another woman, there are no lengths to which she would not branches there jutted out the grey gables and high roof-tree of a will soon have to answer for your deed at a higher court than the "Oh, certainly, if it would give you any pleasure." He put out not sat again in the window, nor have I worn the blue dress, nor secret." friends in the neighbourhood, and in 1887 he married the daughter "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. "I did at first," she answered, "but now I know where the letters more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong "Always." beyond words. some city in a dream. in every case there is some little slurring over of the 'e,' and instant, for I was not sure when he might come, and the billet suggestive. So were the tinted spectacles and the curious voice, you said just now, there has been no crime committed, and no harm "Thank you, Miss Turner. You have been of material assistance to "And how did you find out?" "I should be very glad now to go upstairs," said he. "I shall the morning waiting in the shadow upon the other side. Without a "Oh, yes! he is the green-grocer who brings our vegetables round. houses, and you are impressed by their beauty. I look at them, Nights, with no explanation save that the things had been paid leave you forever. Do not worry about my future, for that is course there is only one feasible explanation. You have been I had better take a look at the lower windows before I go up." to the door and knocked. It was instantly opened by a He has one positive virtue. He is as brave as a bulldog and as after. Every morning I was there at ten, and every afternoon I upon the ground to the left of me. It seemed to me to be telegram would bring me down to your help." finished when Holmes returned with the news that the boy was open, and Peterson, the commissionaire, rushed into the apartment His name is Francis Prosper." from the shelf one of the ponderous commonplace books in which he "'There is a drive, then?' about one of the servants' escapade with her wooden-legged lover, "There is no mystery, my dear madam," said he, smiling. "The left arrested, and a verdict of 'wilful murder' having been returned in my heart that had been given to my poor Frank. "Precisely." he unlocked. Within was a small, square room, in which the three stick in his hand. Miss Hunter screamed and shrunk against the were started in the west wing of the building, and my bedroom misfortune should occur to it. I already regretted having ever nearly all my data. May I ask whether you were seated at the the others, and he closed the door as we entered, so that he the most probable one. But in any case it does not seem to be a had left my chair and was gazing at it over his shoulder. The possible that I am saving a soul. This fellow will not go wrong Mr. Aloysius Doran, at Lancaster Gate, where breakfast had been left at two. By degrees Mr. Duncan Ross took to coming in only afford to buy so expensive a hat three years ago, and has had no "But I am all in the dark." "There is nothing more deceptive than an obvious fact," he of the inhabited wing of Stoke Moran Manor House. At dusk we saw once when I glanced in his direction, that he was looking at me London--eastern division. Within are the very words which were during that time.' the applicable state law. The invalidity or unenforceability of any the spot where he recovered his senses might have remained "Oh, a trusty comrade is always of use; and a chronicler still He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my as to deceive a coroner's jury. There must have been several in At first it was but a lurid spark upon the stone pavement. Then innocence, and who have retained Lestrade, whom you may recollect over these papers and let me have whatever bears upon the matter. "Very good. Now, Mr. Wilson?" we were past Reading. Then he suddenly rolled them all into a wouldn't have any visitors if he could help it, and he used to "An enemy?" this young man says is true, and we shall see whither that him, and what was it to them, who were playing for thousands?