fasten all the windows?" Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" You will find it here, and may read it for yourself." "Why, what do you mean?" late." at one end to a ring in the wall, and fastened at the other with "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our Good-bye, and be brave, for if you will do what I have told you, IX. THE ADVENTURE OF THE ENGINEER'S THUMB already spoken to me, and inquiry showed it was so. I passed "Lady St. Simon, then, returned from the wedding in a less suggested that we should quietly and secretly work our own little though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of "My dear fellow, I congratulate you." "He's a brave fellow," said a woman. "They would have had the He had hardly spoken before there rushed into the room one of the he might, and I took the liberty of bringing the tools with me." carried out of court." bill, which interests me deeply." which it entailed upon me. There could be no doubt that, as it am so candid. Can you not find the advertisement, Mr. Wilson?" disappearance of these gems?" the blue carbuncle, which shone out like a star, with a cold, enough to find the loving couple at home, I ventured to give them will excuse my saying so, somewhat to embellish so many of my own King Edward Street, near St. Paul's.' aquiline features. So he sat as I dropped off to sleep, and so he We heard the door open, a few hurried words, and then quick steps tremor of his extended hand, recalled Holmes' surmise as to his woman might, for all I knew, be a monomaniac. With a stout Holmes sat in his big armchair with the weary, heavy-lidded am afraid, Holmes, that you are not very practical with your showing my impatience. signal between you and your father? more striking in her as she was evidently a woman of strong To Sherlock Holmes she is always THE woman. I have seldom heard Whittington. The whole party proceeded afterwards to the house of at the door and walked slowly all round the house, across the habit of advancing money.' "Now, Mr. Holder," said Holmes, "here is the corner which handwriting was so familiar to her that she would recognise even the bank, she hurried across the road, and we heard the sharp sleepers, holding my breath to keep out the vile, stupefying would be as well for you to have your pistol ready." Slowly and solemnly he was borne into Briony Lodge and laid out fresh part that he assumed. The stage lost a fine actor, even as the road. He beckoned to me and then began walking into the Park. you." make the easy and common transition from a Republican lady to a violent quarrel. She heard Mr. McCarthy the elder using very hearing was so acute that I could not only hear the gentle "He only, as I understand, gave an inarticulate cry?" toast and coffee in the morning when the King of Bohemia rushed that the individual must be brought into frequent contact with once more. large "G" with a small "t" woven into the texture of the paper. the victim might either openly abjure his former ways, or might the wharf and the house. It seemed likely enough that the "I will go when I have said my say. Don't you dare to meddle with heels, with the cocked pistol in my hand. "You were yourself struck by the nature of the injury as recorded "I confess that it is not the situation which I should like to Camberwell poisoning case. In the latter, as may be remembered, so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had shawl round me, and rushed into the corridor. As I opened my door took a few of my friends into the secret, however, and they the loss of it. digesting their breakfasts at home." and straight into the arms of Mr. Rucastle, who was waiting to me. If I could only bring you down all would be well. Of Sherlock Holmes, I find many tragic, some comic, a large number suddenly losing her self-control, she ran forward, threw her arms responsible for her disappearance. Here, signed with her thin, with a long, sharp nose?" "Where, then?" "But to whom?" door?" brought him to my house, and I have found myself that I could photograph; but when I looked back to the weird business of the lately lonelier than ever. A month ago, however, a dear friend, living on the ground-floor, and I asked him if he could tell me stair. The latter led to another broad passage, and just as we analysis of the acetones, as we may need to be at our best in the makes me uneasy. Why should they give you 120 pounds a year, when it. Might I not escort her to this place? And then, as a second out splendidly. Dr. Roylott has gone to town, and it is unlikely "You must make allowance for this poor girl, placed in so neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I thing for me to have someone to talk to, for my own thoughts are so," I said. "Of course, in your position of unofficial adviser "Pray take a seat," said Holmes. "This is my friend and up this clue while it is still hot." matter over." very injured expression upon his face, while Holmes fell upon his Briony Lodge. It is a bijou villa, with a garden at the back, but "He might." "After all, Watson," said Holmes, reaching up his hand for his from within. Then he turned the handle and entered, I at his door. 'I shall not keep you waiting an instant,' said he, and sign a paper, so that whether she married or not, he could use straighten it?" "But the twelve-mile drive?" gasped Hatherley. an introduction to him?" and the colonel ushered me in. ways of our fellow-men." "I have heard of you, Mr. Holmes. I heard from Major Prendergast someone at the pool, and that the someone could not have been his ground I gained the trifling details which I gave to that "I did not say a probable one. But you do not yourself look upon his finger-tips together, to listen to her story. "There is one other thing you owe, Mr. Holder," said Sherlock the bedside of the sufferer. It was not until close upon six triumphant cloud from his cigarette. Our visitor staggered to his feet and clutched the mantelpiece 'you seem to have quite a suite of spare rooms up there, and one "TO THE RED-HEADED LEAGUE: On account of the bequest of the late "Yes; one of my natural enemies, or, shall I say, my natural and the whole place been reduced to such absolute ruin that, save you." and shone on the white cloth and glimmer of china and metal, for blue in shade instead of ruby red. In spite of its youth, it has whose eccentric conduct had drawn my attention. "Yes, sir; for he had started to England just before it arrived." there! The cabman said that he could not imagine what had become "Ah, of course. He was wrongfully accused of cheating at cards." cynical speech and the look which I have caught in his eyes that 'A little French, a little German, music, and drawing--' "Not at all. I am glad to have a friend with whom I can discuss "I have devised seven separate explanations, each of which would occurred to me that there might be a search in the room, and that work or any other work associated with Project Gutenberg-tm. "Witness: It conveyed no meaning to me. I thought that he was was the merest fabrication, for it would be absurd to suppose "I reached this one," said my friend, "by sitting upon five swore that no one else had been in the front room during the and the ladies who are seeking employment wait in an anteroom, be a husband. Her young womanhood had, I knew, been spent in after all, it is for the best. Take your pistol, and we will "No, I am descending." A heavily timbered park stretched up in a gentle slope, "He didn't mind me; in fact, he took a fancy to me, for at the into the fire. "You see, Mr. Holmes," said he, "my wife was happened to live at no very great distance from Paddington younger brother and sister of the bridegroom), and Lady Alicia in tears. I have thought sometimes that it was the disposition of "The doctor?" offices of the Aberdeen Shipping Company. Now, if you are well up hair?' other is to the young lady's stepfather, Mr. Windibank, asking be on the scene of action. Miss Irene, or Madame, rather, returns "That was what the county coroner asked me at the inquiry. It is "This is the envelope," he continued. "The postmark is "Can I be of assistance?" glove was torn at the forefinger, but you did not apparently see "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital could so readily assume. "Pray take this chair by the fire, Mr. sell the geese to?' and 'What will you take for the geese?' One "By all means." "That is not quite so common, is it? Ah, me! it's a wicked world, abominable crime. The front room was plainly furnished as a fatal night Dr. Roylott had gone to his room early, though we seven years, that he was a widower, and that his only child by not wake you. This case, I presume, contains the coronet. We must were new raised from a basin. repay you. There is no doubt that you have detected and defeated companion, had assisted the woman to bear the unconscious man out a situation. I advertised, and I answered advertisements, but "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque disputatious rather than a meditative mood--"you have erred It was dated from Montague Place upon the preceding evening, and refused to deal summarily with the offence, but referred it to that all the other papers were burned by your uncle, and that evidence," I remarked. and at the signal to throw in this object, then to raise the cry process of deduction. "When I hear you give your reasons," I waiting for the coming of its occupant. The house was just such money, or if he had married me and got my money settled on him, "The name, you see, is in perfectly black ink, which has dried should think, from the rate that we seemed to go, and from the step brisk, and his bearing assured. He was plainly but neatly he met his fate. But what could it indicate? I cudgelled my "And an exceedingly interesting case it appears to be. I would though I presume that they were hardly from the same class of plantation.' Sometimes I think that I am myself. And now--and now I am myself "'I wish to the Lord, Mr. Wilson, that I was a red-headed man.' We had the carriage to ourselves save for an immense litter of "I am following you closely," I answered. impression generally of a man of learning and letters who had had abnormally cruel, merely for cruelty's sake, and whether he shoves. 'Hullo!' I yelled. 'Hullo! Colonel! Let me out!' hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and the bedroom. Thrust away behind a curtain in the front room were elastic-sided boots. Known to have been employed in an office in "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. Bermuda Dockyard, so that there is really no tie between them. I gives a meaning to it." vessel which touched at Pondicherry in January and February in October 9, 1890. world I adopted her, and have looked upon her ever since as my to me. I hardened my heart, and took the smoke-rocket from under as this. Men who had only known the quiet thinker and logician of might tell us and submit it to the proper authorities. The case "'Oh, any old key will fit that bureau. When I was a youngster I we took. Hosmer--Mr. Angel--was a cashier in an office in "Well, have you solved it?" I asked as I entered. enclosure, where a lawn of weedy grass and a few clumps of faded "Should you be fortunate enough to solve this problem," said our only son, Arthur. He has been a disappointment to me, Mr. settled his bill at one of the most select London hotels." Sherlock Holmes had sprung out and seized the intruder by the "She will not be able to. But I hear the rumble of wheels. It is details should find their way into the papers. Inspector stone-work had been broken into, but there were no signs of any you in yours." matter." leaves a similar mark, but only on the left arm, and on the side "Married! When?" down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will about the hour when a man gives his first yawn and glances at the begin with, and I had not got mine yet." narrow passage and through a side door, which he opened for us. The man who entered was young, some two-and-twenty at the woven round him. confirm the strange rumours which have been so persistently observed. wall at the sight of him, but Sherlock Holmes sprang forward and guilty one." helped in the hour of her sore need. It was from her that I had home a box of bricks. Now, by the merest chance, his wife common thing for him to receive letters, for his bills were all take in the future. I leave a photograph which he might care to plain questions, to which I beg that you will give a plain imbecility!" he cried. will go to the prison to see James. Oh, if you do, Mr. Holmes, do paramount importance. Yours faithfully, ST. SIMON.' "I was mad--insane." "And yet I am not convinced of it," I answered. "The cases which over the entries against him, I came upon the very items which I metropolis, and I volunteered to supply them. There was the point Rucastle told me in private that the reason why she had left them has little to do with my story." silent as Mrs. Rucastle and much less amiable. They are a most though we meet signs of him at every turn, we never know where to The police have openly confessed that they can at present make other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he could hardly have allowed anyone to acquire so deep an influence "It is, I think, much more likely that Henry Baker is an the afternoon he sat in the stalls wrapped in the most perfect clear. The most serious point in the case is the disposition of colonies, so that it was not unnatural that when they came to heard of either Mr. William Morris or Mr. Duncan Ross." Duke, his father, was at one time Secretary for Foreign Affairs. she, a young and timid woman, make her way into such a place and this unhappy family?" and he was less inclined for any sort of society. Most of his hat drawn over his eyes, sunk in the deepest thought. Our client telegram would bring me down to your help." drawn back by his screams, he rushed into the glade? It was and spent the time in begging in the City under my disguise. In small slip of flesh-coloured plaster. Then with a red head of analysis and deduction! But, indeed, if you are trivial, I cannot was no wonder that it had not been swept away by the tide. But a for over twenty years proof against the little god's arrows, has connection with Mr. Hosmer Angel." "But his left-handedness." remarked before, which were quite as prompt. My whole examination "Pray do so." "Who was he, then, and what was his object in deserting Miss league. On the contrary, you are, as I understand, richer by some screamed and the rain had beaten against the windows, so that sir, I shall approach this case from the point of view that what its side lanterns. "You'll come with me, won't you?" As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, them. He was a singular man, fierce and quick-tempered, very "Owe!" He caught up a pen. "Name the sum, and I will pay it." yelled with the pain. 'There is water in your eyes,' said he as been so plentiful with me as they once were," he remarked. "I had snatched it up and examined it. One of the gold corners, with about the same weight and perfectly fresh, will answer your "Yes; and he seemed to think, with me, that something had after their names are where their accounts are in the big ledger. and his successors. Did you remark the postmarks of those His wife is a very tall and strong woman with a sour face, as absolutely innocent man, who had no idea that the bird which he have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, been! And his asking to be allowed to go out for five minutes! in his eyes as he looked at me. I read suspicion there and a small bearded man in a grey suit, who seemed to be looking in particular. I invited them to meet him here, and, as you see, I should be the man sent for. Then, when he had left, you rifled "Did he not advertise?" his purpose were innocent, why did he not say so?" 'Why shouldn't we be married right away, then,' said he, 'and like all such narratives, its effect is much less striking when 1.E.8. You may charge a reasonable fee for copies of or providing morning paper of yesterday, which I will read to you. It is "What are you going to do, then?" I asked. "It's a common enough lash. But I don't know why it should be madam, would commence at 100 pounds a year.' the best of training." very best and keenest for such nice work as that, and I did not and the footman. The bride, who had fortunately entered the house collar. The other dived down the hole, and I heard the sound of But Holmes shook his head gravely. him to go away.' afternoon. So determined was their denial that the inspector was written a little monograph on the ashes of 140 different but I am convinced that she had divined that I had a mirror in my the word 'band,' which was used by the poor girl, no doubt, to geese which you supplied to the Alpha." "'Then, good-night.' I kissed her and went up to my bedroom Merryweather is a bank director, and personally interested in the "'Well, then, you know now. And if you ever put your foot over Holmes," said Jabez Wilson, mopping his forehead; "I have a small the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary upon me this morning, and to begin a narrative which promises to Horsham, and all went as well as possible with us until the to move, and there reared itself from among his hair the squat the centre, bushy, black side-whiskers and moustache; tinted little rat-faced fellow standing in the centre of the circle of was made at once not only of his person but of his room and of three gentlemen are badly wanted here upon a charge of murder." stood before the fire and looked me over in his singular shoulder, and pointed over the meadows. that colour. From all I hear it is splendid pay and very little to Sherlock Holmes leaned back in his chair and laughed heartily. transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, explained, has got out of order, and we wish your advice upon the "Well, it was the beginning of '84 when my father came to live at memory. company," said Sherlock Holmes. "It is always a joy to meet an had listened with a frowning brow and a compressed lip to this but I. His form had filled out, his wrinkles were gone, the dull can hardly be exaggerated. This account of you we have from all left the country, and finally that C was visited, with, I fear, a harm were to befall it. Any injury to it would be almost as them?" "'Not at all. I only doubt--' with anyone. For thirty years, he produced and distributed Project "'Ten to two.' sprang from the bed, struck a match, and lashed furiously with "No, I never heard of her using it. We used always to get what we "'I beg that you will state your business, sir,' said I; 'my time Grice Patersons in the island of Uffa, and finally of the you to implore you to use your skill in unravelling the matter. distinctly saw his face, which she describes as being terribly hand, madam?" and a deal table, behind which sat a small man with a head that and discretion, whom I may trust with a matter of the most darkness as I have never before experienced. The smell of hot "Yes, there are nearly always some there." disposal, and I was quickly between the sheets, for I was weary she could not tell what indirect or political influence might be "You will not go there first?" Hatherley Farm and the private park of the wealthy Mr. Turner. minutes. I hope that I have made myself clear?" all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he "How did he come?" of the bank director. From my position I could look over the case points on which I must confess that I am still in the dark." deposition it was stated that the posterior third of the left Give me your hand! Have you a cab?" "Well?" she cried, "well?" And then, seeing that there were two breakfast-table so that you could see out of the window?" "His name is Vincent Spaulding, and he's not such a youth, "This, I take it, belongs to the room in which you used to sleep, my affairs. I know that Miss Stoner has been here. I traced her! the first is Dr. Roylott's, the second my sister's, and the third his pocket and threw it down upon the slab, turning away with the "'Yes, thief!' I roared, shaking him by the shoulder. eleven, a single bright light shone out right in front of us. I shall communicate with you." "It was Catherine Cusack who told me of it," said he in a down in this chair and let me preach to you for a little. I don't James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a turning in her direction and wondering what strange side-alley of As we passed out he exchanged a few words with the landlord, "And how could you tell that they would make their attempt is concerned, are very light. Now do try to come, and I shall "Pray sit down on the sofa," said Holmes gently. "You had my fine.' He took a step backward, cocked his head on one side, and other until he had gone. We could write in the meantime, and he of a wave, with the letters "L. S." carved upon it, and that is his lad should step into the whole property. But there I was begun to whiten, even as mine has." country which makes the danger. Still, it is clear that she is many disagreements about me. Mr. McCarthy was very anxious that to my astonishment, when I came to look round me, neither house "Who is on duty?" asked Holmes. "That you are never beaten." and was using my room as a temporary convenience until his new father having signalled to him before seeing him, also to his "And very wet it seems to have made you," said Holmes laying his on the right side of his top-hat to show where he has secreted gruff monosyllable she gave such a start that the lamp nearly "We both thought the best resource was flight, when pursued by "My geese!" The man seemed surprised. and all that I held most dear should be in the power of such a and several scattered drops were visible upon the wooden floor of upon the paper, but his eyes upon my companion. and how your efforts and donations can help, see Sections 3 and 4 up from him to-night. If he is violent, we shall take you away to instant he stood at the side of the hole and was hauling after that my hair is of a very full and rich tint, so that it seemed However, I was in time for the last train to Eyford, and I "In that case I shall continue my professional round. But I shall matter quiet for fear she should be taken to an asylum, and that "And you are sure that this is your husband's hand?" so precious a thing in the office behind me. Bankers' safes had to-night, so hand me over my violin and let us try to forget for eavesdroppers?' fixed it all up so nicely, with a clergyman all ready in waiting, ulster and bonnet, and hurried down to the passage. One of the "I have been making a fool of myself," he gasped. out, for she had been in the company of the bridegroom. Had she your hair. I assure you that it has not detracted in the tiniest then her sister must have been undoubtedly alone when she met her "The band! the speckled band!" whispered Holmes. a hundred yards from the front door. This ground in front belongs trifles." watching me eagerly out of his small eyes, and I could see a pocket. I was leaning against the wall at the time and looking at ramblings of these sots, as I have done before now. Had I been with poor ignorant folk who know little of the law. Think of the "A client, then?" "Well, moonshine is a brighter thing than fog," said Holmes, I had no keener pleasure than in following Holmes in his merely strange, but none commonplace; for, working as he did Produced by an anonymous Project Gutenberg volunteer and Jose Menendez galvanised. window, cut at me with his heavy weapon. I had let myself go, and her with the easy courtesy for which he was remarkable, and, "Pshaw, my dear fellow, what do the public, the great unobservant off, and then blotted, none would be of a deep black shade. This as the wind is easterly I have no doubt that she is now past the James McCarthy was acquitted at the Assizes on the strength of a would disgust you with human nature.' He stepped over to the caution. The blow has always fallen at the end of the time which compunction about shooting them down." stately, old-fashioned manner he departed. with the outside air!" however, before we got the swag. I put my pistol to the head of black linen bag with him through the door. Recently he has been home but after being fully dressed. You observed that her right "No, sir, but the facts might be met speciously enough. Suppose asked to sit, and then Mr. Rucastle, walking up and down on the The object which had caught his eye was a small dog lash hung on horror, there was a distinct sound of footsteps moving softly in remarkably animated. There was a group of shabbily dressed men donations. To donate, please visit: http://pglaf.org/donate that you saw all that I did." I am sure, Mr. Holmes, that we are very much indebted to you for of which was standing open. He drew up the windows on either "Surely it would not be difficult to find out. This is not such a material. She spoke a few words in a foreign tongue in a tone as because of the efforts of hundreds of volunteers and donations from the matter up, so much public attention has now been drawn to it then I will feel sure of you; and I won't claim to be your met her slipping in. I saw the man, too, in the gloom." the smallest sample of it. You see all these isolated facts, "'Oh, at his new offices. He did tell me the address. Yes, 17 the centre one to your sister's, and the one next to the main dark-lantern with the shutter half open, throwing a brilliant King of Scandinavia. You may know the strict principles of her "The man who wrote it was presumably well to do," I remarked, whereabouts. prepare (or are legally required to prepare) your periodic tax male relatives. And now, Doctor, we can do nothing until the the window, rose as we entered. had to deal with one of the coolest and most daring criminals in sleepers from their beds. It struck cold to our hearts, and I appear to be the worse for the fall. Yet when I spoke to her of prank--upon me. It was a pretty expensive joke for them, for it "9th. McCauley cleared. stake; and that he threatened to raise a scandal which would "Then I do not see the point." "I come to a part of my story now in which I should wish to be "Lord Robert St. Simon," announced our page-boy, throwing open "'Perhaps you will have the kindness to wait in this room for a you may be in safety. And yet you cannot guard yourself too villages, where a few lights still glimmered in the windows. photograph becomes a double-edged weapon now. The chances are resolutions. On the other hand, I would not have given her the "'Very well,' said he, 'you shall know all about the machine.' He should like to vanish away and never see any of them again--just than your left. You have worked with it, and the muscles are more shall use the carriage to-night." where Mr. Fordham shows you.' "I could see that the end had not been in his mouth. Therefore he the unpleasant night which seemed to be before me. Was it all to managed to pick up an acquaintance with his valet, learned that good enough, Mr. Holmes. I did not wish to lose such a place which lay upon the table and tore the lid from it. Out there fell fringed the hand that lay upon our visitor's knee. Five little interesting. Indeed, I have found that it is usually in matter, but that the maiden is not so much angry as perplexed, or interested in these little problems, and since you are good news of the "Lone Star" of Savannah, but none ever reached us. We goes." the leather bag in which I carried my takings. I hurled it out of streets until we emerged into Farrington Street. wing runs the corridor from which these three rooms open. There "No, his friend. He wished us to leave him alone. He is round in counsellor, and, having lit it, he leaned back in his chair, with "The papers which Openshaw carried are obviously of vital seen quarrelling he was face to face with his father. Still, it occurred. Miss Stoner turned white to the lips as she listened. Wait in patience.--NEVILLE.' Written in pencil upon the fly-leaf Merryweather is the chairman of directors, and he will explain to gone. important, to raise his hand as if to strike him. The "A call for help, you thought?" "It was from the reigning family of Holland, though the matter in To protect the Project Gutenberg-tm mission of promoting the free "We shall see." He pushed past the servant and rushed into the Gutenberg is a registered trademark, and may not be used if you painful and prolonged scene that she was ejected by the butler called away. On returning, he found that Horner had disappeared, Arthur's. Sir George Burnwell has been several times lately. No the only problem we have still to solve is how to while away stained and streaked with damp and bad weather. There are grounds "'Well,' said he, showing me the advertisement, 'you can see for this would be for you, and how all-important it was to set it really odd ones; the one having a slightly decorated toe-cap, and annoyance. If the lady loves her husband, she does not love your him to be an active member of the medical profession." "As far as you are personally concerned," remarked Holmes, "I do matters immensely." little pride and pulled a dirty and wrinkled newspaper from the in the hope of finding them." desired his attentions. The dog is let loose at night to prevent address. 'May I ask who it was who gave me so good a character?' common-looking person. I hardly noticed his appearance. But Mr. John Turner, who made his money in Australia and returned "I noted, in passing, that she had written a note before leaving I thought that, as we were a partie carrée, you might have your on the angle of the back hung a very seedy and disreputable "I beg that you will not touch me with your filthy hands," down upon the table in front of him. "Listen to this: 'You will "'On the contrary,' said I, 'I opened the door myself because I He disappeared into his bedroom and returned in a few minutes in the afternoon. We rattled through an endless labyrinth of gas-lit baits. In the larger and older jewels every facet may stand for a to enter through the window when out from a clump of laurel flattened out upon his knee, I took a good look at the man and or the police were at first inclined to think? It appeared to you rattled, and from the time when I saw Frank here again I just bouquet, of her resort to her confidential maid, and of her very little fancy of my wife's, and ladies' fancies, you know, madam, on consideration of some few pence every week, we were each to deeply marked and the heels hardly visible. That bears out his The reaction of joy was as passionate as his grief had been, and that this matter really strikes very much deeper than either you morning, but I must be back before three o'clock, for Mr. and past ten, however, and quite time that we started. If you two "Nothing." "Then you may be so with me." have I gained?" pillows and consuming an ounce of shag. I think, Watson, that if "Well, there are some on the stall with the gas-flare." and face protruded, with eager eyes and parted lips, a standing general air of being fairly well-to-do in a vulgar, comfortable, are ready, we shall call a cab and drive to Waterloo. I should be and no doubt it is a little worn," our visitor answered, glancing when I received this letter from the gentleman himself. I have it present." any little problem which you may submit to me." "Your own little income," he asked, "does it come out of the had a long day." I slept at Baker Street that night, and we were engaged upon our round it, woods on three sides, and on the fourth a field which would be in the year 1878, after he had been eight or nine years we were to come to Stoke Moran to-day, would it be possible for in the dead of the night?' when it fell. The grey pavement had been cleaned and scraped, but "I searched the Dundee records, and when I found that the barque inches in height, with the chest and limbs of a Hercules. His "That will do very nicely. Then perhaps I had better postpone my wife is fond of a particular shade of electric blue and would basketful of linen. The skylight above was open, and the prisoner scandal and seriously compromise one of the reigning families of LIABLE TO YOU FOR ACTUAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, CONSEQUENTIAL, PUNITIVE OR I could see that she was pretty, and from the gloss with which Your task is confined to that. When you raise your cry of fire, have driven down to tell you so. I know that James didn't do it. have spoken to Lord St. Simon, but it was dreadful hard before the hall door, which told me that he was off once more upon his followed my remarks very carefully and asked several practical shall live to the Assizes, so it matters little to me, but I purses and expensive habits. He learned to play heavily at cards neighbourhood, and was lying senseless, with a shattered skull. I heavy with snow and his features as inscrutable as ever. Scotland Yard. With him we drove to the Hereford Arms where a "Well, let us hope so. But our doubts will very soon be solved, "'If I promise to keep a secret,' said I, 'you may absolutely "I feel that time is of value," said he; "that is why I hastened reaches Savannah the mail-boat will have carried this letter, and 'Frisco, found that I had given him up for dead and had gone to objection to your co-operation, and that he even thinks that Sherlock Holmes, for solution during the years of our intimacy, door, however, they separated, he driving back to the Temple, and that, in spite of the slight frost, it would be well that it down the street, "here is a madman coming along. It seems rather following the guidance of Mr. Merryweather, we passed down a crate upon which I sit contains 2,000 napoleons packed between the morning and make my own way in the world.' records unique, violin-player, boxer, swordsman, lawyer, and Cross for the Continent." loomed behind his small black figure like a full-sailed very well. At the time of the war he fought in Jackson's army, This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: have that, for he said that when I wrote them they seemed to come cried. 'Your duty would be, as I am sure your good sense would had walked several times up and down the lawn, neither Miss room, and had just observed that the coronet had been twisted in unconscious, and though he poured brandy down her throat and sent "Have you heard anything of the case?" he asked. use an arc-and-compass breastpin." slippers before we settle this little matter of yours. Now, then! caught a glimpse of rushing figures, and a moment later the voice and do you conceal yourselves behind those. Then, when I flash a "Alice is her name. She is an American and came from California original disturbance, in the belief that, from jealousy or some relation between them, and what the object of his repeated the habit of standing on it, which of course would be necessary red silk, but was a good deal discoloured. There was no maker's weighted coat had remained when the stripped body had been sucked problem. And, first, as to how it came here. It arrived upon "The vanishing of the lady." "In which, sir?" "My dear Watson, you as a medical man are continually gaining handed it to him. you found me to-night--and running through the front room she "'Stolen!' he cried. carriage the night before waiting for me? No, he had not. Was has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the "When you see a man with whiskers of that cut and the 'Pink 'un' wanted so much as to join a Sunday-school treat. But this time I houses here. It is a hobby of mine to have an exact knowledge of matter. I thought it as well to have Jones with us also. He is Sign of Four, and the extraordinary circumstances connected with "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. leave you to your papers for a little." down the stone-flagged passage, in a peaked cap and frogged transform myself into a well-dressed man about town. This fellow, information can be found at the Foundation's web site and official said Mr. Holder. o'clock at night, and has not been heard of since. Was money should be paid at once.' not fit the lock." it seems, made his home there. Both he and the Lascar stoutly nature such as his. And yet there was but one woman to him, and practice and made me quite a recognised character in the City. "It is really very good of you to come, Watson," said he. "It "Then I will." Holmes suddenly bent his strength upon it, but jovial man to whom I was accustomed. His cheeks were red, his coming up to me. I heard her voice downstairs, but I knew that Perhaps the villain was softened by the woman's entreaties." "I was afraid that you were engaged." cheerful." have some good news for you. And good-night, Watson," he added, "By the select prices. Eight shillings for a bed and eightpence "I had," said he, "come to an entirely erroneous conclusion which and all was dark in the direction of the Manor House. Two hours him nearly every evening." air of a man whose disgust is too deep for words. A few yards off upon the outer side of his right little finger," remarked Holmes "I only looked in as I passed," said he. "I am going right on." stepfather learned of the engagement when my sister returned and tried to look out of the windows to see something of where we "I am no official agent. I understand that it was your daughter done what I asked you, Jones?" labyrinth of small streets which lie at the back of Tottenham laughter, whenever he saw you, and afterwards from your gesture, "Well, your own good sense will suggest what measures I took prepare for the new role I have to play." lounging figure of the man who had been no doubt depicted to him tie, his sympathetic smile, and general look of peering and the early tide this morning, homeward bound to Savannah. I wired as we came out into the frosty air. "Remember, Watson that though silent! Oh, he will be silent!' light as to the tendencies of a child by the study of the "Mrs. St. Clair had fainted at the sight of the blood upon the went into the very simple problem presented by Miss Mary hypothesis will lead us. And now here is my pocket Petrarch, and left this morning with her husband by the 5:15 train from Charing generous with you in money matters.' coffee, for I observe that you are shivering." Who would think that so pretty a toy would be a purveyor to the "There is a well-known agency for governesses in the West End public press." "Nothing." What was this nocturnal expedition, and why should I go armed? might very well have been inflicted by the butt-end of his son's Holmes had brought up a long thin cane, and this he placed upon upon the barrel of a revolver, but Holmes' hunting crop came "'It is your only chance,' said she. 'It is high, but it may be "'But, madam,' said I, 'I have not yet done what I came for. I him to go away.' Our visitor gave a rather shamefaced laugh. "Shillings have not One day, however, as I ascended the stair, I met Mr. Rucastle developments, but I can hardly be expected to make merry over "But if he is innocent, who has done it?" George Burnwell. I had heard of him before as being a man of evil "I cannot say that I have." either upon his person or in his rooms. Catherine Cusack, maid to "Quite so! You have not observed. And yet you have seen. That is death of Dr. Grimesby Roylott which tend to make the matter even room. There was no place about the hotel where it would be safe. introspective fashion. when it was crushed in the press, set fire to the wooden walls, think that if anyone could have drawn him into the right path it controlled when she has made up her mind on a point. Of course, I been." and astonishment upon her broad, good-humoured face. "You've self-control to prevent me from breaking out into a cry of agree to be bound by the terms of this agreement. There are a few "'I am sure that I do not know.' details should find their way into the papers. Inspector young ladies from boarding-schools. I think that I have touched better proceed to business, then,' said he. 'Mr. Ferguson and I "'Dear me! How very impertinent! Kindly turn round and motion to I shook my head. "Many men have been hanged on far slighter came in, but when I came down to breakfast in the morning there and I said nothing of the matter to the Rucastles as I felt that persecution?" The station-master had not finished his speech before we were all "My God!" he cried. "Someone has loosed the dog. It's not been "'And the work?' "Did you observe anything very peculiar about that bed?" eye which made me think that he had not been disappointed in his and saw scrawled in red ink upon the inner flap, just above the 501(c)(3) educational corporation organized under the laws of the learn, Miss Alice had rights of her own by will, but she was so Updated editions will replace the previous one--the old editions conception of an Australian from Ballarat with a grey cloak." putting his fingertips together, as was his custom when in Road, to a salesman named Breckinridge, by him in turn to Mr. Holmes laughed. "It is quite a pretty little problem," said he. I have already recorded, still, the nature of the case and the "The King of Scandinavia." "But have you," I asked, "formed any definite conception as to from the charge of sensationalism which has been urged against my "I am all attention, madam." Even when she was just a baby her wee hand seemed to lead me down continued resistance of the proprietor, they made their way to "'And what are they worth?' I asked. of Heaven!' she whispered, 'get away from here before it is too perturbed expression upon his aristocratic features. Gravesend by a man with a dirty thumb. Ha! And the flap has been slipped on some clothes and waited there in the dark to see what despair. "If his motives were innocent, why does he not explain all that remains. Mr. Rucastle then, I presume, took to this spoke of the softer passions, save with a gibe and a sneer. They of blue. It was of excellent material, a sort of beige, but it earn at typewriting. It brings me twopence a sheet, and I can He picked out from his bundle a copy of the local Herefordshire letters get more worn than others, and some wear only on one has guessed Miss Hunter's intentions and has carried his victim upon the shelf for the interim." deduce something from that?" "One moment," said Holmes, "are you sure about this whistle and depend upon my doing so.' "We do all our correspondence with this machine at the office, him upon the drawing-room sofa, and having dispatched the sobered be.' the year after the Franco-Prussian War. It is one of these "Ha!" said Holmes, looking keenly at her. "It is clear that Mrs. its horrid perch and, carrying it at arm's length, threw it into These, we presume, indicated the nature of the papers which had feather of a brickish red. Her jacket was black, with black beads has written to him to say that she has a husband already in the a room. still time to take a train to Hereford and see him to-night?" examination showed that one of the india-rubber bands which was But as I listened to his talk all that was black and bitter in just come at the right time. Is that your hat, Mr. Baker?" The young man pulled his chair up and pushed his wet feet out it--that it is the clue which will guide you in the solution of also in his bluff, boisterous fashion, and on the whole they stalked out of the room. "'That will do,' said he; 'I could not ask for anything better. "Ah!" said he, laying down his cup, "I feared as much. How was it "Yes. He was brought up and remanded for further inquiries." He opened the Gladstone bag as he spoke, and took out, to my "That is possible." Lascar, but this fault was soon remedied, and he was seized and bulky boxes driving rapidly in the direction of Reading, but bachelor.' chair with the gesture of a man who has made up his mind and put or less interest, of which I retain the records. Among my in his hands." "It is our task to find that out," replied Holmes; "so now, if to Leatherhead. wife do when she finished speaking to her maid?" which should have the effect of calling the attention of the all the way down, but after we had passed the Hampshire border he the girl's dress and were so like her, he was convinced from your discontent upon his features.